Published: October 14, 2016 | Updated: May 15, 2019
When picking out a Halloween costume for your children, you’re probably focused on finding your child’s favorite superhero or princess. But what you might forget to check is the label. Many of them say “Keep away from flames.”
It’s a warning to take seriously.
Since 1980, dozens of children have suffered severe burns involving Halloween costumes. One child even died from her injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
How fast can a costume go up in flames? We tested one to find out.
“I knew it was going to go fast, I just didn’t know it was going to go <em>that</em> fast,” said Erika Janes, R.N., child safety advocate for the Children’s Hospital Foundation <a href="https://nortonchildrens.com/prevention-wellness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Office of Child Advocacy</a>. “And there was no warning label on this costume.”</p> <p>To keep this from happening to your child, Janes offered the following advice:</p> <ul> <li> Keep your kids away from any source of flame (candles, jack-o-lanterns, etc.)</li> <li> Look for costumes that are flame retardant or flame resistant.</li> <li> Use battery-powered candles instead of real ones.</li> <li> Remind your children how to stop, drop and roll before trick-or-treating.</li> </ul> <p>Want other Halloween safety tips? Click <a href="http://www.safekids.org/halloween" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a></p> <p>– Joe Hall</p> <p>
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