With Halloween quickly approaching, finding the perfect costume can become a challenge. This year when you are selecting the right "look" also factor in your child's health and safety.

Proper Fit

A big temptation is allowing your child to wear their favorite character costume even though their size isn't available. This year stay firm and opt for another costume instead of allowing your child to wear something that doesn't quite fit. Overall, it is best to avoid the tempting "one size fits all" unless you've had your child try on the costume.

Costumes should not drag on the ground, adding to a child's trip hazards. This includes a child's shoes. Dress-up shoes with heels are not a safe choice for outdoor wear and trick-or-treating.

Finally, masks should provide enough room to breathe, but also fit so that children can easily see out eye holes. Avoid masks that do not have large eye openings or restrict a child's peripheral vision. Face paints can make a good alternative to masks.

Be Seen

Sticking to well-lit paths is always a good choice, but a child's costume can also make the difference in helping drivers see your child when crossing the street. One option is to choose light-colored costumes or masks made of glow-in-the-dark materials. If your child wears a "dark" costume, place reflective stickers or tape on it and have the child carry a flashlight or a reflective candy bag. To help keep the child prepared for the cold temperatures, ensure they are dressed appropriately for weather conditions. This may mean layering their outfits.

Extra Precautions

Many costumes come with different props for your children to carry. If you allow your children to have toy knives, swords or other items-ensure that they are made of a soft, flexible plastic. Sharp or hard plastics can easily cut or puncture their skin in a fall.

Also be sure to select costumes that are made of flame-resistant materials. If you are intending to dress up your infant for the occasion, be advised that safety standards for infant sleepwear (including those cute, fuzzy pumpkin sleepers) have been eliminated. Therefore, you need to inspect the tags to ensure that the materials can reduce the likelihood of a burn injury.

North Metro Fire Rescue is dedicated to your quality care. North Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and rescue services to their community. Formed in 1946, the district now covers 115 square miles with a population of approximately 90,000 people including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Boulder, Adams and Jefferson Counties.

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