Safety Agency Issues Halloween Holiday Tips

WASHINGTON (AP) â€” The scariest way to end a night of trick-or-treating is with a trip to the emergency room, the government warns. <br><br>To keep children safe from Halloween accidents, the Consumer

Monday, October 30th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) â€” The scariest way to end a night of trick-or-treating is with a trip to the emergency room, the government warns.

To keep children safe from Halloween accidents, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued safety tips Thursday regarding costumes, treats and decorations:

â€”Get costumes, masks, beards and wigs made of flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, and avoid costumes made with flimsy materials, big baggy sleeves or skirts that could fall upon open flames from candles or jack-o'-lanterns.

â€”Make sure costumes and bags are bright and easily visible to motorists; add reflective tape that will glow in a car's headlights and have children carry flashlights.

â€”Costumes should not drag on the ground, shoes should fit well â€” no oversized high heels â€” and accessories such as swords or knives should be made of soft, flexible material.

â€”Masks and hats should fit well and provide adequate ventilation without obstructing vision.

â€”Children should not eat any treats before an adult has examined them for evidence of tampering.

â€”Make sure toys received by young trick-or-treaters are not small enough â€” and do not have components small enough â€” to present a choking hazard.

â€”Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and the path of trick-or-treaters.

â€”Make sure lights have been tested for safety; discard damaged sets and don't overload extension cords.

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On the Net:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov