HALLOWEEN COSTUME SAFETY... 5 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe

Here are the facts you must know about Halloween costume safety.

Every year, at the end of October, our homes are invaded by ghosts, witches, monsters and such. Thankfully, there are also enough nuns, princesses and super heroes to protect us from the scary guys. Of course, I am talking about Halloween.

Halloween is the one time during the year when children can indulge their wildest fantasies and be rewarded for whatever they dream of being, but it is still up to us to keep them safe.

Halloween safety begins with costume safety. We wouldn't dream of sending our children to school, or out to play, wearing clothing that could be dangerous to them. Halloween is the one day during the year when we let the rules slip a bit. It doesn't have to be that way.

Here are some valuable tips that will help you keep the kids safe:

The mask:

* Vision -- Small eye holes in a Halloween mask can reduce your child's peripheral vision. Crossing streets and navigating unfamiliar sidewalks in the dark becomes more dangerous than usual. Ever considered face painting?

* Hearing -- A full head mask can also cut down on hearing.

* Choking -- Most kids eat on the run at Halloween. If they are wearing a mask it is impossible to see if they are choking on a piece of candy.

TIP: Using a pair of scissors, enlarge eye holes and cut holes around the ears and mouth. Consider face paint instead of a mask.

The costume:

* Light and bright - If possible, convince your child to wear a light colored costume. It makes him/her much easier to see at night.

TIP: If your child is determined to wear a dark costume add reflective tape to the costume. It is even a good addition on light colored costumes. You can find it at most bicycle stores.

* Flame resistance - If you are buying a costume, look for the "flame resistant" label. This does not mean that the costume is fireproof, only that it does not catch fire, or support a flame, easily. Keep this in mind if you decide to create your own costume.

TIP: Test the material by passing a small piece over a candle or lighter.

* Tripping - Costumes usually come in small, medium, or large. Kids come in all sizes. Costumes that are too large, or that drag the ground, present a real tripping hazard.

TIP: Trim the hem of the costume with a pair of scissors, or use safety pins to adjust the size, to eliminate this hazard.

General safety considerations:

* Safe houses - Restrict trick or treat activities to neighborhoods that you know are safe. Plan your child's route in advance.

* Adult supervision - Go trick or treating with your child or form a group of block monitors to patrol the neighborhood. Keep a cell phone with you for use in an emergency. Have the cell numbers of other block monitors pre-programmed in your phone.

* Don't eat until it has been checked - Get your child to agree to this before trick or treating begins.

TIP: Give your child a small supply of their favorite snack or candy to take with them. This will reduce the temptation to eat unchecked candy.

Halloween is a time to build great memories that will stay with your children for their entire lives. By following these tips you can do your part to make this happen.