Tips For Halloween Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these safety tips for parents and guardians of children who plan to go trick-or-treating this Halloween:

-- Look for costumes, masks, beards and wigs labeled "Flame Resistant." Although this does not mean these items won't catch fire, such labeling indicates that they resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. Flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts should be avoided to minimize the risk contact with candles or other sources of ignition.

-- Make or buy costumes light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorist. For greater visibility in dusk or darkness, costumes can be decorated or trimmed with reflective tape, which will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware bicycle, and sporting goods stores. Children also should carry flashlights to see and be seen more easily.

-- Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling. Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes; mother's high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.

-- Hats and scarves should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.

-- Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a mask, which might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

-- Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft or flexible material.

-- Warn children not to eat any of their treats before they get home. Examine all treats carefully for evidence of tampering before allowing children to eat them.

-- Smaller children should always be accompanied by an older responsible child or an adult. All children should use the sidewalk rather than walk in the street, and they should WALK not run from house to house. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.

-- Children should go only to homes where residents have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.

-- Those receiving trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from steps, lawns, and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, or other furnishings that could be ignited.