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MILWAUKEE (10/23/2007) - Superhero costumes are all the rage this year for Halloween. But while these costumes appear to be harmless, they are more likely to inspire kids to show off. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Injury Prevention Program and Safe Kids Wisconsin provide tips for keeping your superheroes and other trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween.
Superhero safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to take the following precautions to help reduce injuries to children dressed as superheroes:
-Explain the difference between what people do on television or movies and what they can do in real life; explain to children why they shouldn't "try this at home."
-Close and lock windows so children do not attempt to open and jump from them.
-Fasten capes with Velcro that easily pulls apart. Never tie capes or other costume pieces around a child's neck.
"Every few years we see a child who dies or who is admitted with asphyxiation because the superhero cape got caught on something when he jumped," said Cinda Werner, RN, manager of Trauma Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Costume safety
"Safety should be a priority when choosing costumes," said Werner. "While your child may look cute in a long beard, it might not be flame resistant. Always check."
-Check to see if costumes fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes, high heels and long skirts or pants that could cause a child to fall.
-Consider using non-toxic facial paints and hypoallergenic cosmetics in place of masks. If a mask is used, make certain the eye and nose openings do not restrict vision or breathing. The mask should be free of sharp edges and have an elastic band securely attached to it. Children should wear masks on top of their heads in between trick-or-treating stops to avoid tripping or obstructing their view of intersections.
-Do not light candles in pumpkins for outdoor sidewalk display. Long costumes can catch fire. Warn children to watch for this hazard when traveling door to door.
Pedestrian safety
Children are four times more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year. The following are additional AAP guidelines for safer Halloween festivities:
-Children age 10 and younger should be accompanied by an adult when crossing the street. Make certain older children travel in groups. Before crossing the street, children should look left, right and left again. They also should look in all directions as they cross the street.
-Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
-Children out after dusk should have reflective tape on their costumes, accessories and bikes. Children should be encouraged to carry and use flashlights.
"All the usual rules of pedestrian safety still apply. Drivers can do their part by being especially careful in residential neighborhoods, slow down and look for kids at intersections, on medians and curbs," said Libbe Slavin, coordinator, Safe Kids Wisconsin.
Safe treats
-Remind children to only visit homes they know. Insist that all treats be brought home for inspection before they are eaten. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
-To avoid choking, do not give hard candy to children younger than 3 years old. Children of any age should not be allowed to run with candy in their mouths or lie down while eating candy or other treats.
-Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home such as stickers, pens or pencils.
"Remember that kids will be knocking on a lot of doors, and sometimes candy bars become old hat," said Werner. "A page of stickers is a nice surprise."
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