Feroleto Law reminds you that Halloween can be fun but also presents many dangers for parents and kids. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds us that parents should check to make sure that all costumes including accessories are flame resistant, especially since shipments of imported costumes were found to have many safety hazards. Please check the tags on all costumes for the relevant information.
The CPSC also recommends chosing costumes that are not too baggy or billowy. As far as far as costumes containing elements of lead, all children’s costumes sold in the U.S. must meet federal lead safety standards. Manufacturers must test costumes if they contain certain items that could have lead, like buttons, snaps and appliques, as well as other Halloween-themed accessories. The CPSC also reminds us that:
- Carve pumpkins safely. Sixty-four percent of Halloween-related injuries between October and November last year were related to pumpkin carving.
- Use battery operated candles and lights instead of candles.
- If you are making your child’s costume, trim the costume or outerwear with reflective tape to make it easier for your child to be seen.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks when trick-or-treating after dusk.
You can find more Halloween safety tips from the CPSC at Halloween Safety Alert.
