Date: Fri 25-Oct-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A11

Quick Words:

Halloween-safe-costumes

Full Text:

(tips on celebrating Halloween the safe way, costumes, etc, 10/25/96)

Celebrate Halloween The Safe Way

(with photo)

By MaryEllen Welch

Halloween is one of the most exciting and fun times of the year. It gives

family members an opportunity to spend time together and focus on a project

which is very important to children. Creating a costume sparks children's

imagination and creativity - and parents'! For a memorable day, plan ahead

following these guidelines.

Costumes should be flame retardant to prevent injuries. Either purchase a

costume labeled "flame retardant" or make a costume and have a professional

dry cleaner apply this finish to the costume.

The outfit should be designed to permit children to move and walk naturally

without tripping. Have kids wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

Retro-reflective tape and decals when sewn, glued or stuck to movable parts of

the costume (arms and legs) enables motorists to spot children at a distance

of 500 feet. Research indicates light colors like silver and white are easier

to see at night (180 feet) than dark colors (55 feet). Fluorescent colors do

not glow in the dark.

Masks which fit well have adequate openings for the eyes, nose, mouth and

ears, attach firmly to the head, and contain no sharp points. Advise children

to wear their masks on top of their head while walking and pull it over their

face when they arrive at their destination. Masks should be composed of

non-toxic paint.

Face make-up is a better choice yet. Read packaging carefully for information

on ingredients, application techniques, warnings and removal. Select non-toxic

make-up derived from US-approved color additives which has been laboratory

tested and meets federal standards for cosmetics. Adults should supervise the

application of make-up for young children.

Accessories add a touch of drama to costumes. Fangs, fake hands, hair and body

glitter or paint, fake tattoos, stickers, spray hair color, wigs, hats,

jewelry, nail polish and other decorative items personalize an outfit. Make

accessories from cardboard or other non-injurious flexible materials to

simulate objects, such as swords, which normally have sharp edges.

Attach wigs and beards with barrettes so they don't block children's vision.

Flashlights and light sticks should be carried when trick or treating at

night. Ideally, Trick or Treat bags are light-colored and are decorated with

retro-reflective tape.

Prepare your home by decorating it with some Halloween pumpkins and

accessories. Use flashlights in jack o' lanterns instead of candles.

Check walkways and driveways to be sure there are no toys, tools, bikes or

other objects to prevent tripping. Keep these areas and the entrance to your

home well lit. You may wish to keep household pets in another part of the

house so they will not be frightened by trick or treaters.

Safety is an important issue to discuss well in advance of Halloween with your

child. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. It is best to

travel with others, not alone.

Older children should only travel in a group or with an adult. Map out the

route the child will be following in advance. The parent and child should each

have a copy.

Go only into familiar neighborhoods. Set a time to return home. Make sure

older children have a watch. Give older children quarters to call home if they

are running late.

Before leaving home, affix your child's name, address and phone number to the

inside sleeve of his or her costume. Instruct children only to enter homes

which meet with your approval, and stop only at well-lit homes.

Walk on sidewalks, not on streets. Cross at intersections and remind kids to

look both ways and to be alert when crossing driveways.

Children traveling on bikes should use clips to prevent tangling their

costumes in bicycle spokes. Equip all bicycles with headlights, reflectors and

horns.

Motorists should drive slowly in residential areas and when entering and

exiting driveways. Let children out on the curbside. Be alert to children

darting between parked cars. Adults in costume should not drive wearing a

mask.

Treats should be inspected by parents before children eat them. Give children

dinner before they leave the house so they will not be as tempted to eat their

candy.

Label treats which you dispense with your name and address.

Once home, parents should carefully examine all treats. Discard any with

broken wrappers or seals. Wash fresh fruit and cut into small pieces before

eating.

Non-edible treats can be substituted for food items. Baseball and other sports

cards, coloring books, comics and storybooks, instant photos of children in

their costumes, stickers, character erasers and pencils, friendship bracelets,

plastic jewelry, novelty items such as magic tricks, yo-yos, small board and

card games, puzzles, coins and snack coupons to local restaurants all make fun

treats.

Community-sponsored celebrations are another great way for children to enjoy

their special day. Parties, hay rides, parades, contests, haunted house tours,

dances, magic shows or a visit to an area hospital or community center are

terrific ways to celebrate Halloween.

(MaryEllen Welch is a cooperative extension educator with the University of

Connecticut Cooperative Extension System.)