Spiders, Monsters and Ghosts, Oh My! Intertek Offers Tips for a Safe Halloween
24 Oct 2011
Oak Brook, IL– Kids’ imaginations run wild on Halloween as they dress up as scary monsters, brave superheroes and beautiful princesses. Whether dressing up like their favorite characters or trick-or-treating to their hearts’ content, kids of all ages eagerly anticipate celebrating Halloween all year long. While Halloween is a day full of fun and games, safety should not be overlooked. Consumer goods testing and inspection company Intertek offers these tips to help ensure a safe celebration.
Costumes
- Costumes should be made of flame-resistant materials, especially with jack-o-lanterns ablaze. Store-bought costumes must meet certain flammability standards, but if you make a homemade costume, look for materials that are labeled flame-resistant.
- If the kids are trick-or-treating after dark, look for costumes with reflective qualities or bright colors so they can be easily seen by drivers. You can also add reflective tape or have older kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to increase visibility. Keep in mind that because both glow sticks and flashlights may present hazards to younger children, they should only be used by little ones under adult supervision.
- If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye openings are adequate and do not obscure their ability to see, and mouth or nose openings allow for easy breathing.
- Ensure costumes fit properly. If they are too long, they can create a tripping hazard. If they are too small or elaborate and cumbersome, they may limit mobility.
Footwear
- Trick-or-treaters should wear sturdy shoes – not flip-flops – so they don’t trip or fall or stub their toes on porch steps.
- If shoes have laces, make sure they are tied securely to prevent tripping.
- While some costumes include shoes – for instance, glass slippers with a princess costume – they are not always suitable or safe to walk around in. The same is true for fabric footies that cover a child’s shoes, they may look cute, but aren’t always functional.
Accessories
- Make sure any accessories like swords or wands are free of dangerous sharp points or edges.
- If the costume includes jewelry, like a necklace, it should be short enough that it won’t catch on something and pose a strangulation hazard.
Makeup
- Look for makeup labeled hypo-allergenic or non-toxic.
- Before applying to your child’s face, test the makeup first on a small area to make sure he or she doesn’t have an allergic reaction.
Candy
- Candy is among the top 10 foods that cause both injury and death in children under 14. Keep in mind that hard candies especially can quickly slip down your child’s throat and block his or her airway.
- Snacking on candy while walking around trick-or-treating can present a choking hazard, have kids wait until they get home to eat any candy.
Media Inquiries:
Amy Paille, Intertek Consumer Goods North America
Phone: +1.630.481.3163
Email: amy.paille@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek (www.intertek.com) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers’ products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 30,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.