Candy Not the Only Halloween Safety Concern -
The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind’s (PAB) Halloween Safety Tips
October 1, 2009
Every Halloween there are several hundred eye injuries related to costumes, masks and other Halloween related activities. These helpful tips for making Halloween safe will allow your children to slither and creep through the night without a fright.
Chills and Shrills of Costumes
Costume safety is a huge concern every year. Parents want to avoid putting their children in masks, wigs, floppy hats or eye patches that block any vision. “Parents should check that the cut outs around the eyes for their child’s Halloween mask are large enough to permit peripheral vision. You want your child to be able to see cars coming from the left or right, or to see steps,” says Elaine Welch, President/CEO of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.
As an alternative, wear make-up in place of masks, but be sure to pay close attention to the labels on the face paint. Make-up should never be worn in or near the eye. Avoid props such as spears, swords, or wands that may harm not only your child’s eyes, but other fellow Trick-or Treaters. Avoiding costumes that drag on the ground can also prevent eye injuries related to tripping and falling. Carry a flashlight to improve visibility and dress your children in bright reflective clothing and/or decorative costumes as it is a great way to keep all eyes on your child as they run from house to house.
Looking Into the World of Cat’s Eyes
Cosmetic contact lenses have become very popular, especially during Halloween; however these lenses come with the same risks as regular contact lenses. Improper use of cosmetic contact lenses can lead to serious eye complications. Bacterial infections, swelling, eye pain, conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal scratches and even permanent loss of sight, are just a few. Parents and children should never buy cosmetic contacts without a prescription from a doctor, and should never share contacts with others. “Adults who are dressing up for Halloween should be aware that non-prescription contact lenses that change the color of the eye are illegal to purchase and that wearing them can result in abrasions of the cornea or eye infections,” says Welch. These lenses may transform your child into an instant vampire for the night, but may result in a life time of serious eye problems.
Other Howls in the Night
Preventing other physical injuries during the night is as simple as keeping your lawn, steps, porch and front door well lit and free of all obstacles. Inspect your yard for low hanging branches and holes in the ground. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from steps and porches outside. This will help prevent brushing costumes from igniting.
Make Halloween a fun, safe, and happy time for your children this year, by using these easy ways to prevent injury. Your children will carry on the same traditions you have taught them for years to come.
About the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind (PAB)
The PAB is a private, nonprofit, charitable organization comprised of 30 member agencies and founded in 1910 for the purpose of preventing, preparing for and managing vision loss. PAB is funded, in part, by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Office of Vocation Rehabilitation, in the Department of Labor & Industry.
For more helpful tips, please contact the PAB at 717-766-2020
for the Blind
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