Costume safety
Keep your little boys and ghouls safe this Halloween with these easy costume safety tips.
Get a good fit
Make sure to choose costumes that fit correctly so your little ones won't trip and fall. Long dresses or capes that drag on the floor may be cute, but not if your child ends up falling down. If using a mask, take care to check and see that your child can see and breathe properly. Face painting is a great alternative if you can't find a mask that fits well — just be sure to use washable, non-toxic paint or makeup that is safe for skin.
Stay visible
Adorn your children's costumes with reflective tape to make their costumes visible in the dark. Carry flashlights or glow sticks for more visibility to passing cars.
Be flame-resistant
Only choose Halloween costumes that are labeled "flame-resistant" in case of accidental contact with an open flame. If you are concerned about fire dangers at home, use small, safe, flickering light bulbs in your jack-o'-lanterns instead of real candles.
Safe trick-or-treating
The days of kids roaming the streets freely on Halloween are long gone. Make sure that a responsible adult accompanies your children when they are out trick-or-treating and use these tips to keep the night safe and fun.
Plan a safe route
Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time so that you can check out the neighborhoods to make sure they are safe and well-lit. Only visit homes of people you know or homes with a porch light.
Set a curfew
If you are letting older tween or teens trick-or-treat in a group, make sure they are accompanied by an older, responsible teenager that you know and trust. Discuss the route they will follow ahead of time and set a curfew for them to return home.
Discuss safety
Make sure to remind your children not to go inside the homes or cars of anyone they meet. Talk about how they always need to stay together as a group and never let a child or pair of children go off on their own.
Halloween alternatives
Trick-or-treating in your neighborhood isn't the only fun Halloween activity! Check your local paper for other safe and exciting Halloween alternatives in your community.
Plan a spooktacular party
Spook yourself silly by having a fang-tastic Halloween party in your own home. Carve pumpkins, serve creepy treats and play frighteningly fun Halloween games.
Visit a trunk-or-treat
Keep it safe by attending a trunk-or-treat carnival at your church or community center. Even if you feel comfortable among friends, always make sure to keep an eye on your kids at all times.
Pick a safe location
Go trick-or-treating at the mall, zoo, museum or other safe location. Many businesses go all out throwing exciting Halloween events for families. Check their websites and discover all the spooky fun available in your city this Halloween.
More on Halloween fun
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Pumpkin carving templates
Frightfully fun Halloween movies for kids of all ages