Make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations. Flame resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape.
Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen. Costumes should be well-fitted and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls. Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea. If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.