HALLOWEEN SAFETY

         

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

All Dressed Up:

 Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

·         Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.

·         Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.

·         When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

·         If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.

·         Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. 

 Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

 Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.