October is Halloween Safety Month!

During all the fun of Halloween, it is important to remember that this holiday requires some extra safety precautions. Most Halloween-related injuries can be prevented if parents supervise their children’s activities. Here are some children’s safety tips to follow during Halloween to keep everyone safe.

View some safety tips from Lawley by clicking the image below.

Or download a PDF here.

Halloween Costume Safety

The following are tips to help you select a safe costume for your child:

Think safety when selecting your child’s costume; 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

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Safety

To avoid injuries while carving pumpkins, follow the tips below:

• 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

Parents should be aware of the risks outlined below when trick-or-treating:

• Remind children to walk only on sidewalks, and to look both left and right before crossing at corners or crosswalks
• Never let a child enter a home to receive candy or a treat unless accompanied by a parent
• Instruct your child to visit only well-lit houses
• Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick or treat alone. Older children should plan their routes ahead of time so their parents know where they are
• Instruct children to never approach a car, or accept treats from a person in a car
• Remind children to stay alert for house pets and strangers
• Inspect your 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