Play It Safe on Halloween!

Halloween can be one of the most fun and one of the most dangerous holidays, especially for kids. Between the extravagant costumes and the bucket loads of candy, it’s a child’s dream and a parent’s worst nightmare.

Here are a few tips to make this Halloween, a little safer so that you can spend more time trick-or-treating and less time in the emergency room:

 1. Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough so that kids won’t trip and fall.

2. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treating bags for greater visibility at night.

3. Exchange masks for non-toxic make up and decorative hats. Masks can severely limit or block eyesight which can be extremely dangerous while on the road at night.

 4. Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories that are clearly labeled flame resistant.

 5. If a sword, cane or stick is part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long, as they can become seriously injured if they trip and fall.

6. Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye exam and a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Wearing contact lenses without a prescription can cause pain, inflammation of the eye, and serious eye disorders and infections which may lead to permanent vision loss.

7. Always carry a flashlight!

Make sure your family play it safe this Halloween and check out other safety tips from Halloween decorations to costumes to trick-or-treating.