Treat: How to Have a Safe Halloween
Halloween is among the holidays that are the most fun every year. With tricks, treats, a spooky atmosphere and the chance to dress up, kids of all ages (including those of us who haven't been children for quite some time now) can enjoy the experience. However, there isn't anything that can change fun into legitimate fear or upset faster than an accident.
Therefore, before your youngster - or you for that matter - gets ready to go out on Halloween night, to a party or trick-or-treating, make sure that you've taken the right precautions. Try to include the following rules in your Halloween enjoyment every year:
• Avoid Fire Accidents - Look for costumes and accessories that have the terms "flame resistant" on their labels. These costumes will not only resist burning but will also go out very quickly if you or your child happens to step a bit too close to the pumpkin with the candle in it.
To avoid this mistake altogether, try to avoid baggy sleeves, baggy pants or skirts that flow out too much. This will stop small breezes or excited footsteps from bringing the costume too close to jack - o - lantern flames.
Be certain that your child is well aware of the fact that fire is dangerous and that they should steer clear of burning candles.
• Avoid Tripping and Falling - This rule is especially important with preschoolers but is equally relevant for older children and adults. When you're dressed in costume - especially one that isn't exactly designed for practicality, you are much more likely to trip and fall. Preschoolers are prone to tripping and falling at the best of times, so their odds only increase when wearing a costume while out in the dark, and all excited. When you select a costume, whether you're buying it or making it, make sure that it allows for easy motions such as walking and swinging arms. If a costume is borrowed and is too long, take the time to hem or tape it so that it's the right length when it's time to be used. You can even hike it up with a good belt, if you're not good at sewing. Other tricks for avoiding tripping include making sure that shoe laces are tied and double-tied, watching for decorations that may be in the path of the trick-or-treaters and watching out for other children.
• Be Clearly Visible - Since the majority of Halloween festivities occur after dark, it's important that a costume be decorated with bright reflector tape, so that drivers can easily see you and your children. Regardless of how visible your child may be, make sure he or she always holds your hand when crossing the street, and knows not to go darting out in the way of traffic or driveways. You may consider dropping a small flashlight into your child's bag or pumpkin for that added visibility.
• Don't Bother With Masks - There is so much that you can do with accessories and face paint that masks simply aren't worth the hazard they present due to the reduced visibility your child will have.
Get the most out of your Halloween celebrations by making sure that everybody is safe and sound and can enjoy everything that this fun and spooky holiday has to offer.
