Costume Ideas:
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Costumes are often dark-colored and difficult to see at night. You can use reflective tape on the costumes and on Trick-or-Treating bags and buckets.
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Do not wear plastic masks. They block your vision and can cause difficulty breathing. Consider using non-toxic make-up instead.
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For make-up and hair dyes, test them on a small area of skin before using. Once you are home, wash off immediately to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.
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Do not wear decorative contacts. They can impair your vision and cause damage to the eye.
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Make sure accessories, such as swords and sticks, are short enough to not impede walking and dull enough that they will not hurt anyone.
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Check that all costumes and accessories are flame resistant.
Treat Safety:
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Examine all treats before giving to your children. Make sure that they are not tampered with.
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Have children eat a meal before they go out to avoid them snacking on treats before you examine them.
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Avoid home-made treats: make sure store-bought treats are factory sealed.
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Consider giving out non-food items, such as books and pens.
Pumpkin Safety:
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Consider using markers to decorate Jack-o-lanterns to avoid any cuts.
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When using knives, only allow adults to cut and always cut away from yourself.
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Use flashlights and flameless candles inside the pumpkin.
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Place pumpkins away from curtains or walkways to avoid a fire hazards.
- Trick-or-Treating Safety:
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Always carry a flashlight when walking around.
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Walk; don’t run when going from house to house.
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Only use sidewalks, but when necessary to walk on the road, walk on the side facing traffic so you can see any cars coming your way.
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Know your route ahead of time to avoid confusion or getting lost.
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Go in groups and with a trusted adult.
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Never go to homes that are not well-lit.
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Never go inside anyone’s home or car to get treats.
Author Ray Santos, MD and Ritu Sharma, MD