Halloween Safety Tips in Kansas City, KS

From costumes to parties to treats, Halloween can be a fun-filled time for the youngest to the oldest members of your family. However, Halloween-time can pose dangers. To help make this year’s Halloween activities safe and fun, follow our simple Halloween safety tips in Kansas City, KS for a fun and enjoyable night of trick or treating.

Halloween Safety Tips in Kansas City, KS: Dressing the Part:

• Choose a light-colored costume for you, your children or anyone that will be out trick or treating with you. Light-colored costumes are easily seen at night. To make your costumes even more noticeable, add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark tape to the front and back of all members of your trick or treating group’s costumes. You can also add this tape to your trick or treating bags.


• Purchase costumes that are flame-retardant. All costumes that are flame-retardant will be labeled as such. This means that the materials won’t burn. If you will be making costumes on your own, use nylon or polyester; both of these materials are flame-retardant.


• Avoid purchasing wigs and beards that cover your children’s eyes, mouths and noses.


• Children should avoid wearing masks. Masks are often not made to fit children’s faces appropriately; this can make it difficult for them to see and breathe. Instead, opt for non-toxic face paint and make-up. Before using any face paint or make-up, be sure to test the paint on your child’s arm or hand to make sure it is not going to irritate their skin.


• Say no to colored or decorative contact lenses; unless they are prescribed by your child’s optometrist.


• Be sure to attach a name tag — that includes your phone number — to your child’s costume. This is important in the event you become separated.


• Avoid oversized costumes and high-heels. This can make it difficult for your child to walk. Avoid tripping by making sure your child’s costumes fit well.


• If possible, avoid props. If you child must carry a wand or sword, make sure the prop is short and flexible.

Halloween Safety Tips in Kansas City, KS: Pumpkin Carving

• Avoid letting children use knives. Have children draw their designs on a pumpkin with a marker. Have a parent, older sibling or another adult do the carving.


• Make sure your children keep a safe distance from you while you are carving. This will help ensure they do not distract you or accidentally get in the way of a sharp object.


• You do not need to use a knife to remove the insides of a pumpkin. If your child asks to remove the pumpkin guts, allow them to get a little messy with their hands. You can finish up with a knife after they have their fun.


• Clean up the mess immediately. Pieces of pumpkin that end up on the floor can quickly cause a floor to become slippery. To help contain the mess, lay newspapers out before you start.


• Avoid candles. Candles can lead to fires. Instead, opt for a glow stick or a battery operated candle to illuminate your pumpkin.

Halloween Safety Tips in Kansas City, KS: Trick or Treating Without Trouble

• Always accompany children under the age of 12 as they trick or treat. Make sure they know how to call 911 if they get lost and make sure they know their home phone number.


• For older kids, who will be trick or treating with friends, make sure you know where they will be and who they are with. Encourage older children to stay in groups, walk on sidewalks with lit streets and to carry a cell phone if possible.


• Always bring a flashlight. For added visibility, kids may also enjoy wearing glow stick necklaces and bracelets.


• Limit trick or treating to neighborhoods you are familiar with.


• When your children arrive home, inspect all candy to ensure that it is sealed. Throw out homemade treats (if you do not know who made them), spoiled items and items in torn packages.


• Do not allow young children to consume gum or hard candy — this could lead to choking.

Halloween Safety Tips in Kansas City, KS: Avoid Eating Too Many Goodies

• To avoid your children consuming all of their goodies as they receive them, feed your kids a healthy and filling meals before it’s time to trick or treat.


• Remember, you do not have to give out candy on Halloween. Consider raisins, dried fruits, stickers, coloring books and more.


• Know how much candy your children have and store it somewhere that you can regulate how much of it they are eating. Consider being lenient on Halloween and rationing treats later on. You can also consider giving some treats away.

Halloween Safety Tips in Kansas City, KS