The apples have been bobbed, the pumpkins carved, the cobwebs hung, and the spooky movies survived (barely). Halloween. It’s one of the most anticipated nights of the year for both kids and adults.
But if you’re not careful, Halloween can also be frightening. According to SafeKids.org, more than 3/4 of parents report having safety concerns about Halloween—but only 1/3 of them talk to their little goblins about it every year.1 As you and your little ones canvass for candy, these helpful tips and tricks can help keep this year’s fright night safe and sweet.
- Check your smoke detectors. With a neighborhood full of glowing jack-o-lanterns and driveway firepits, it’s a good idea to doublecheck that your home isn’t haunted by dead batteries.
- Wear comfortable costumes that glow in the dark. Inexpensive reflective tape increases visibility and is a great accessory for any costume, from pirates to princesses. It’s also great for trick-or-treat bags. Other handy items: flashlights or glow sticks. The safest costumes are bright, colorful or reflective—or even better, all three.
- Makeup matters. Using non-toxic makeup is important. Either way, it’s always smart to do a small skin test first. Put a small amount on the arm; if a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop, that’s a sign of a possible allergy. (Extra tip: Check the FDA’s list of color additives to see if the colors are FDA approved.)
- Opt for flame-fighting costumes. You never know if you’ll end up fireside making s’mores and telling ghost stories as the night goes on. So, always make sure costumes say “flame resistant” on the label. Believe it or not, some costumes are quite flammable and may even have a “keep away from flames” warning. If you make your costume, flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon are a safer choice.
- Choose your “weapons” wisely. Make sure any toy swords, devil’s forks, wands and knives are soft and flexible. It’s easy for children to get excited about their character. So while they are flexing their imagination, make sure their props are safe and not harmful to others.
- Scrap the decorative or colored contact lenses. The FDA, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and other eye care organizations discourage the use of these costume lenses. Without a valid prescription, the involvement of a professional, or appropriate follow-up care, they can lead to significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness.
- Handle candy with care. Up-cycling bags and containers can be creative and environmentally friendly, but be sure yours didn’t previously contain any harmful toxins, household cleaners, or other possibly poisonous material. Also, both kids and adults shouldn’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home. No nibbling along the way! Avoid any candy that’s homemade or looks like the packaging has been tampered with.*
- Be safe on the street. Remind your child of the basics: looking both ways before crossing (at corners with cross walks only), having a buddy to hold hands with while crossing the street, and not talking to strangers. It’s also smart to make sure your child has their phone number and address either memorized or in a safe place.
- No lights, no treats. Houses that don’t look like they’re part of the Halloween fun should be skipped.
- In case of tricks, act fast. Egging is still a popular, but dreaded Halloween trick. Did you know that if a smashed egg is left too long on your house or car, it could damage the paint? Keep an eye open and tell your neighbors of any mischief-makers to help keep your neighborhood safe.
From all of us at American Modern, we wish you and your family a safe and fun Halloween!
*If you have questions or someone you know has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance, call the American Association of Poison Control Centers immediately at (800) 222-1222. They’re available 24 hours a day. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
1 https://www.safekids.org/sites/default/files/documents/ResearchReports/halloween-research-report.pdf
For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.
