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Halloween safety starts at home
There's nothing spooky about Halloween safety. Use these common-sense Halloween safety tips to protect your ghosts and goblins.
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's the time of year for tricks and treats, costumes and sweets. Put Halloween safety first with these common-sense tips.
Carving safely
Are your children begging to carve pumpkins? Make Halloween safety a family affair.
- Use markers. Let young children draw faces on pumpkins with washable markers. Leave the carving to an adult.
- Invest in pumpkin cutters. With supervision, older children can carve their own pumpkins with special pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars.
- Use candles with care. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended.
Clever costumes
From furry animals to princesses and superheroes, choosing costumes wisely is an important part of Halloween safety.
- The brighter the better. Whether you buy a costume or make one yourself, choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. If your child will be trick-or-treating outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to his or her costume.
- Size it right. In case it's chilly outdoors, make sure your child's costume is loose enough for warm clothing to be worn underneath — but not long enough to cause tripping. Avoid oversized shoes and high heels.
- Skip the masks. A mask can obstruct your child's vision, especially if it slips out of place. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
- Limit accessories. Pointed props — such as wands, swords and knives — may pose safety hazards.
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References
- Tricks, treats, costumes and safety. American Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/october/octtips.html. Accessed Aug. 11, 2008.
- Halloween safety. National Safety Council. http://www.nsc.org/resources/Factsheets/hl/halloween.aspx. Accessed Aug. 11, 2008.
- Halloween safety tips. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/octhalloween.cfm. Accessed Aug. 11, 2008.
- Safety tips for Halloween. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/treats.html. Accessed Aug. 11, 2008.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 12, 2008.
