Safe HalloweenWhat do you get when you mix costumes, decorations, and candy? A Happy Halloween!! On Halloween your child can be anything they want to be – a ghost, firefighter, skeleton, the list goes on and on. But, as a parent you want to make sure that your child has a safe Halloween. Haunted Houses and spooky things are fun when you know they’re not real. but Halloween comes with some very real dangers. Don’t fret, there are ways to ensure you and your family have that safe Halloween. 

Costume Safety

For most, the costume is the best part of Halloween fun. You and your child get to pick anyone you want to be and have a night of fun. A few things to keep in mind about costumes:

  • Think safety when selecting costumes. Avoid long, baggy or loose-fitting costumes and shoes that may be difficult to walk in. 
  • Choose costumes, wigs, and accessories made from fire-retardant materials. 
  • Select costume colors and materials that are highly visible to motorists. 
  • Opt for facial makeup instead of a mask that may limit a child’s vision or breathing. 
  • Buy makeup labeled “FDA-approved” or “non-toxic,” and remove makeup promptly to avoid allergies or adverse reactions. 
  • Make sure costume accessories, such as swords or magic wands, are made of flexible materials. 
  • Add strips of reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to make children more visible. 

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Trick-or-treating is the highlight of the night for most children. They get to run around in costume and collect candy! What could be better? While it’s a great time for the kids, it can be a bit nerve wracking for the adults wanting to have a safe Halloween. 

  • Remind children to walk only on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing the street. 
  • Do not allow children under 12 years old to go trick-or-treating by themselves. 
  • Remind children to never approach or get into a car with a stranger offering them candy. 
  • Only visit well-lit houses. 
  • Stay alert for house pets. 
  • Always inspect children’s candy before they eat it. Wrapped treats are the safest. Dispose of fresh fruit, unwrapped or homemade treats, or anything that looks remotely suspicious. 
  • Check for choking hazards, such as hard candy, gum, peanuts or small toys, before letting a small child eat his or her treats.

Pumpkin Carving Safety

Carving pumpkins is an annual tradition for most families. From simple to complex, the options are endless. However, anytime there’s sharp tools or open flames around, there are added risks to keep in mind. 

  • Carve pumpkins on a flat surface with good lighting. 
  • Consider using a pumpkin-carving kit that includes special, easy-to-use cutting tools. 
  • Have children ages 5 and younger draw on the pumpkin’s face – then you do the carving. 
  • Light pumpkins using votive-style candles. 
  • Place lighted pumpkins away from flammable objects, such as curtains. 
  • Never leave lit pumpkins unattended. 

Have a conversation with your kids early so they understand what to do and what is expected during this Halloween season. The season is all about having fun, so take a few extra moments to make sure that it is a fun and safe Halloween. 

Brought to you from your friends at Rinehart Insurance.

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