Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, "Trick or Treating", and More

When someone asks what you're going to be for Halloween, chances are the first answer that comes to mind isn't "safe". But with October 31 just around the corner, there are a number of things you should keep in mind to make sure that costume ideas, neighborhood "trick or treating", and candy consumption are both fun and safe for you and your family.

Parents and kids should make sure costumes and accessories are flame-resistant and highly visible to motorists, remember to inspect all treats for evidence of tampering, and take steps to ensure that they're choosing safe houses to visit, according to a Halloween Safety Alert from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Tips on safe use of face paint and novelty makeup, and wearing of decorative contact lenses are provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Helpful Halloween safety advice for parents and kids is also available from the American Red Cross: Tricks, Treats, Costumes, and Safety and the National Safety Council.

• Halloween Safety Alert (CPSC)
• Using Face Paint and Novelty Makeup (FDA)
• Wearing Decorative Contact Lenses (FDA)
• Halloween Shoppers Beware: Even Cosmetic Contact Lenses Require Prescriptions (Federal Trade Commission)
• Halloween Health and Safety Tips (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Tricks, Treats, Costumes, and Safety (American Red Cross)
• Fact Sheet: Halloween Safety (National Safety Council)
• Teaching Young People to Protect Themselves (FindLaw)