BEST IN SHOW OR HALLOWEEN HAZARD? Costume Safety Tips for Kids
For many kids, picking out a costume is the best part of Halloween. Will they be a spooky witch, a wildcat, or their favorite superhero? There are so many options! But in all the fun, it can be easy for parents to overlook certain risks that Halloween costumes can pose. Here are important safety tips to remember when choosing the best Halloween costume. Look for fire-resistant costumes. Candles inside jack-o’-lanterns and other open flames are everywhere on Halloween night, so make sure your child’s costume isn’t a fire hazard. Most store-bought costumes are made from fire-resistant materials, but you should still check the labels on all costumes, wigs, and accessories. The same goes for when you’re buying fabric for homemade costumes. And remember, fire resistant is not the same as fireproof. While fire-resistant material takes longer to burn and can be put out quickly, it can still catch fire and cause serious injuries. Remind your child to use caution around open flames and avoid costumes with flimsy, hanging components, like flowing sleeves, long skirts, and capes. Test makeup first. Halloween is a great time to have fun with face paint, and makeup is a good alternative to masks, which can obscure a child’s vision. However, a lot of costume
makeup isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Before letting your children cover their faces in makeup from the Halloween store, test their skin for allergic reactions by putting just a little bit on the backs of their hands first.
Practice prop safety. What’s a Jedi Knight without her lightsaber or a wizard without his magic wand? The right accessories can really bring a costume together, but it’s important that props — especially weapon props, like swords, knives, or guns — are not mistaken for the real thing. Choose props that are obviously fake, with round edges made from soft, flexible material. And if your children want to wear their Halloween costumes to school or some other event, check the rules on props beforehand to avoid any trouble.
Halloween is a night for ghosts and goblins to come out to play, and with these tips, your kids can safely dress up and join in the fun.
CHECKING IN ON YOUR FURNACE
WHY YOU SHOULD GET A FALL TUNEUP
As the temperature drops and winter begins to creep in, homeowners are kick-starting their furnaces and heating systems. Unfortunately, most do this without considering yearly maintenance. Learn more about how scheduling a fall tuneup for your heating system can keep your family safe and your equipment up-to-date while saving you money. SAFETY FIRST Much like cleaning the lint screen in your dryer, cleaning your furnace is essential to keeping your family warm and safe this winter. Buildup in your furnace can cause a house fire, and old or malfunctioning parts can cause dangerous failures. Furthermore, if you have to rely on a
space heater because your furnace went kaput in January, you face a slew of other issues, including the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
TRUST THE EXPERTS Just because you can put a Band-Aid on a cut doesn’t mean you would try to save money by not seeing a doctor for a broken arm. Likewise, just being a responsible furnace owner does not mean your heating system is in tip-top shape. An HVAC expert can monitor your pilot light, keep you informed, and look for mechanical issues you wouldn’t have knowledge about unless you were in the business. SAVE MONEY You will have to pay for the fall tuneup, but your energy bills won’t be skyrocketing in December. Proper cleaning and maintenance of a heating system are essential to its function, which will ultimately be reflected in savings on your bill. Clunky noises, overworked parts, and clogged systems all mean that your furnace has to work harder, which only takes more heat — and more money — away from you. Learn more about the benefits a fall tuneup can have for your home and heating system. Schedule a tuneup appointment with Aire Serv of the Mid- Hudson Valley by calling 845-256-6158 or visiting aireserv.com/mid-hudson- valley .
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