Halloween Costume Safety Tips from Aronfeld Trial Lawyers

Halloween Costume
Halloween night is one of the biggest nights of the year for so many children as they head out for a fun night of trick or treating. However, before leaving the house, it is important that parents and guardians ensure their child’s costume is also safe. The following costume safety tips can help parents be sure that their little ones are in the best costumes possible.

1. Flame Resistant Costumes – If you have purchased a costume for your child from the store, it is important that the tag on the costume reads: “flame resistant.” No one expects their child to encounter an open flame, but it is always a possibility, especially with the prevalence of jack-o-lanterns on Halloween night. All costumes sold in stores should come with this notification if the outfit is flame resistant or flame retardant. If the costume is homemade, make sure it is made with polyester or nylon materials, both of which are flame resistant.

2. Avoid Baggy Clothing – Along the same lines of ensuring clothing is flame resistant, it is also equally important to stay away from baggy or billowing cloaks or skirts on costumes. While the outfit may be resistant to fire, it is best to not test the theory while wearing an outfit that could easily brush against a luminary or other open flame.


3. Avoid Tripping Hazards – It can be hard to find a costume that fits just right, but if the outfit is too long, the risk of the child tripping and falling Make sure your child tries on the costume prior to going out on Halloween night to ensure it is not too long. Be wary of having your child wear high heels or over-sized shoes as they also can be tripping hazards. Comfort and ease are always best, which is why we recommend children wear sneakers or shoes they normally wear while going out trick or treating.


4. Stay Visible – Your child may resist wearing anything on his or her costume, but it is important that the outfit has something on it so that the child is easily seen in the dark. It helps to decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape or stickers. It can also help to wear glow sticks or have the child carry a flashlight so that he or she can be easily seen by others in the dark.


5. Face Paint over Masks – Back in the 1980s, most costumes included some type of plastic mask. However, be cautious of using a mask as part of the child’s costume as these can block the wearer’s vision. It may be wiser to use face paint in lieu of a mask. However, be sure that the face paint is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and test it on the wearer’s skin first before Halloween night to ensure that no allergic reaction will result.


6. Do Not Cover Eyes, Noses or Mouths – Many costumes may also come with wigs and beards but be sure that they do not obstruct your child’s breathing or vision by covering their eyes, nose or mouth.


7. Limit the Accessories – Costumes often come with props, such as wands, swords, or knives, and while they may seem to add something to the costume, it is best to just leave them at home. Instead, take pictures with the props before leaving the house.

If you or a loved one has been injured while trick-or-treating on Halloween, it is important to consult with an experienced Miami personal injury attorney immediately.   Spencer Aronfeld is a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help!

Sources:

Consumer Reports – Halloween Costume Tips to Keep Kids Safe

SafeKids.org – Halloween Safety Tips