Buckeye Reporter

Each year, millions of children dress up as characters, animals, princesses or even something scary for Halloween. Much thought goes into what a child will be for trick or treating, but one aspect that is often overlooked is the safety of their outfit.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year there are more than 2,500 Halloween-related injuries. Many of these involve trip or falls, which could be easily avoided by inspecting the intended costume.

So before your little ghosts and goblins head out to trick or treat, review these tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for costume safety.

• Each part of the costume should be made of flame-resistant material. A label that says “flame resistant” will ensure that if the worst happens and the costume catches fire, the fabric will extinguish itself.
• Avoid costumes with big sleeves or skirts or pants that drag on the ground. A snugly fit costume reduces the risk of trips or even catching fire from touching an open flame.
• Check for visibility if the child will be wearing their costume outside at night. If their outfit is not brightly colored, you can use a strip of reflective tape to help the costume stand out to motorists. Another tip is for kids to carry glow sticks or flashlights to improve their visibility for drivers.
• Have the child wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes to gather treats. Avoid high heels and flip flops, as they can pose a tripping hazard.
• Use a mask that fits comfortably and has large eyeholes to allow full vision. Can’t find one that fits the bill? Use cosmetics to decorate your child’s face. There are tutorials online to create a look for almost any character.
• Examine swords, knives and other costume props to verify they are made of soft, flexible material. Consider forgoing them entirely so your child (and eventually you) won’t have to lug them around.
• If it’s cold during outdoor festivities, make sure that hats and scarves are tied tightly and don’t slip over a child’s eyes to obscure their vision.

For more Halloween tips on safe driving and walking during trick or treating, visit Safe Kids Worldwide.

Original source can be found here.