Tips for Making Halloween Safe

Halloween ought to be an enjoyable time that your child remembers for many years to come. Every year, there are several hundred eye injuries connected to costumes and masks that are dealt with in the U.S. health center emergency clinic. There are many things you can do to ensure your child partakes in a safe Halloween and to prevent a night of treats from becoming a night of tragedy.

Costumes & Safety

• Avoid outfits with masks, wigs, floppy hats or eye patches that block vision.
• Tie hats and scarves firmly so they do not slip over children’s eyes.
• Prevent outfits that drag on the ground to avoid tripping or falling.
• Prevent pointed props such as spears, swords or wands that may hurt other children’s eyes.
• Wear brilliant, reflective clothes or embellish outfits and bags with reflective tape/patches.
• Bring a bright flashlight to enhance visibility.
• Do not ride a bike, scooter, skateboard or roller blade while wearing a costume.
• Obey all traffic signals – pedestrian and motorist.
• Younger kids should to go with an adult while trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups.
• Use common sense. Never dart out between parked cars and trucks or hidden corners such as alleys. Avoid streets that are under construction. Don’t trick-or-treat in busy industrial locations or where there is heavy traffic.
• Go trick-or-treating in daytime, as it is much safer than going at dark.
• A more safe option is to go to a Halloween party instead of trick-or-treating.

Cosmetics & Contact Lenses

Use hypoallergenic makeup. Have an adult apply the makeup and remove it with cold cream instead of soap. Use makeup in place of masks.

Cosmetic contacts are horrible for your eyes. Contacts that make your eyes appear like cat’s eyes might seem enjoyable, specifically at Halloween. However, these lenses include the same dangers as regular contact lenses, and more. This growing fad might seem safe, however it’s not!

Improper usage of cosmetic lenses can result in serious eye complications. These issues consist of bacterial infections, swelling, eye pain, higher level of sensitivity to light, conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal scratches, corneal ulcer and even long-term loss of sight!

Never purchase cosmetic contacts without a prescription! Never share your cosmetic contacts with others or use somebody else’s contacts.

Because this fad is popular amongst teenagers, be watchful about older kids’ appearance before letting them leave the home. If they are using these types of contacts, ask where they got them.

Treats & Decorations

Check all trick-or-treat items for indications of tampering before permitting kids to consume them.

Carefully check any toys or novelty items received by kids age 3 and younger. These might pose a choking threat. Avoid giving young kids lollipops as the sticks can trigger eye injuries.

Be sure your yard, steps, deck and front door are well lit and free from obstacles.

Keep candles and jack-o’-lanterns away from steps and porches outside, as costumes might brush against them and start a fire. Inside, keep them far from curtains and other items to avoid triggering a fire.