Make Halloween a night of horrors--not a horrible night

By Julie Jordan
Published October 26, 2018

It’s the weekend before Halloween, and many people are buying and preparing last-minute decorations, costumes and treats to ensure all the thrills for the 31st. But sometimes in our excitement for the holiday, we fail to remember some basic safety measures that could keep the night of horrors from becoming a horrible night. To protect yourself and your little ones from unexpected mishaps, follow these tips courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Pumpkins

  1. Leave the actual carving of the pumpkin to adults. Kids can trace the template with a marker and help scoop out the inside, but they should not hold the knife for carving.
  2. To avoid unexpected fire damage, use a battery-operated light, instead of a candle, inside the pumpkin.

Costumes

  1. Use reflective tape and bright colors when creating or choosing costumes, so kids are visible to motorists and others during trick or treating and other nighttime Halloween festivities. Add a flashlight or glow stick to help light the way and stay visible at night.
  2. Leave oversized costumes at home. Tripping on a costume does not make for a fun night. The most common injury for Halloween last year was falls.
  3. When making a costume, choose fabrics that are not easily combustible, like polyester or nylon. Sheer cotton and rayon will burn quickly if near an open flame.
  4. Makeup is better than a mask, allowing for easy breathing and field of vision.

Decorating

  1. Choose battery-operated lights over candles when decorating and in general. Never leave burning candles unattended.
  2. Before placing decorations all over walkways and lawns consider the likelihood of someone tripping and hurting themselves. Choose a location off the beaten path.
  3. Remember these ladder safety tips while putting up or taking down Halloween decorations.
  4. Use lights that have been tested for safety, and check each set for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Dispose of damaged sets.

To learn more, visit https://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2018/10/22/safety-tips-for-a-diy-halloween.