The Hottest Halloween Costumes

Still undecided as to what you and the family are going to be on Halloween? Cynthia Mulligan outlines some of the hottest costumes in the stores this year.

And here are some costume safety tips and other suggestions to ensure trick-or-treaters stay safe on the spookiest night of the year.

COSTUME SAFETY:

Line of sight:

Your kids will have to go up steps, cross streets and navigate in the dark. Consider using make-up instead of a face covering to achieve the effect they’re going for.

If they insist on wearing a mask, make sure they can see perfectly out of it. Some cheap models have eyeholes that are no more than slits, and don’t provide an adequate field of vision.

The same goes for hats, buccaneers, wigs or other head coverings.

Visibility:

The October 31st night is dark and spooky, but you want that to be in spirit only. Make sure you child’s costume is reflective or carries some kind of light coloured material so it can be seen in the dark.

Flame proof:

Costumes and Jack O’Lantern candles go hand in hand at this time of year. Make sure the costumes you buy your kids are flame retardant, to avoid one accidentally coming in contact with the other. 

Most of those on sale in stores are required to be fireproof. But the ones you concoct in your home may not be.

Tripping Hazards:

Long capes can be great for effect, but you don’t want your kids tripping on them. Remember, Dracula was supposed to suck blood – not draw his own from a split lip.

Make sure the costume you choose is short enough to avoid a tumble in the darkness. Tripping is the leading cause of injury during Halloween – even if most people think it’s that upset stomach from eating too much candy.

The Shoe Fits:

It’s a similar tip to the one before. Clown shoes may make the outfit. But if your kids can’t walk in them, it won’t be funny.

Try to keep them in their regular footwear, where you can ensure they take all their night out steps in the right direction.

Here are some other general safety tips, courtesy of Toronto Fire:

Costumes:

• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet
• Consider non-toxic and hypo-allergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords
• Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes
• Review with your children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll”, should their clothes catch on fire

Trick or Treating

• Only trick-or-treat in well known areas that are well lit
• Only go to houses that have the porch lights on, and never go inside
• Always walk on the sidewalk
• When crossing a street, remove all masks or wigs that will interfere with your vision
• Never enter a strangers house or car for a treat, and don’t eat your candy until an adult at home has checked it
• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost and remind them that they can call 9-1-1 for free from any public phone

Keep it Factual

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