Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.
Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.
• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.
• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be 2x2
accompanied by adults.
• Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-ortreat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.
• Eat before trick-ortreating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.
• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.
• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.
• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.
These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incidentfree this year.
Pop Culture Costumes Are Bound To Be Big This Year
One of the best ways to get in on the Halloween costume fun is to choose a look that borrows from popular culture. This year there is no shortage of inspiration for those who want to look like their favorite movie, television and game characters.
Comic Book Hero “Frenemies” Marvel’s popular characters joined forces in “Deadpool & Wolverine” this year with the titular stars played by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, respectively. Whether you’re team red or team yellow, dressing up as one of these action characters is certainly going to be popular for Halloween 2024.
Whirlwind Romance
Fans of the “Bridgerton” television series know that the third season follows the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. This is a perfect couples’ costume, and one that will be lavish at any Halloween gathering.
Travis and Taylor
The last year-plus has been notable for both football fans and Swifties. Three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift became the power couple of record, earning fans from both sides of the football/ music aisle. Dressing up as this duo is sure to get rave reviews.
CountryVibes
Beyoncé ushered in a new era of country music in 2024 with the release of her album “Cowboy Carter.” Emulating the pop-to-country princess is a great way to turn heads this Halloween.
The “Juice is Loose”
It’s been 36 years since audiences enjoyed the hijinks of Beetlejuice, the star character of Tim Burton’s horror- comedy. With the release of “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,” complete with most of the original actors reprising their roles, there’s no question that Beetlejuice, Lydia and Delia costumes will be trending this October.
Political Opponents
The race to the White House this year certainly has had its twists and turns. Political figures often are in fashion for Halloween costumes, and this year that is bound to be the case with individuals dressing up as the Republic and Democratic presidential candidates.
Another Pink Lady
While “Barbie” was the chic lady in pink for 2023, thanks to the announcement of the new prequel series dubbed “Elle,” Elle Woods from the “Legally Blonde” franchise is sure to be trending this Halloween.
WackyWednesday Now that another series installment is in the works, there will be plenty of people dressed up as Wednesday Addams this Halloween.
Looking to pop culture yields plenty of inspiration for Halloween costumes each year.
