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A Howling Halloween

By Elisa All

Careful Costumes

Create a costume that is safe, bright and reflective. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it is a good idea to add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for visibility. Kids' shoes should fit well and costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping or contact with flame. Kids should wear non-toxic makeup and hats rather than masks, which can obstruct eyesight. If you're using a makeup product you've never used before, try it out on your arm for a couple of days to check for an allergic reaction before putting it on your face, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Remove all makeup before going to bed since wearing makeup can irritate the skin. While colorful contact lenses may be popular among older kids, the FDA says they should not be used without a professional recommendation as they can cause injuries.

Decorating Do's and Don'ts

Decorating for Halloween is great fun, but you have to be careful. The Fire Department notes that you shouldn't overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors with displays. Since kids may be out after dark, move things like garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations so kids don't trip. To improve safety, replace any burned-out light bulbs and sweep wet leaves off sidewalks and steps.