Government issues tips for a safe Halloween

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The scariest end to a night of trick-or-treating is a trip to the emergency room, the government said Tuesday. <br><br>The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued its annual Halloween

Tuesday, October 29th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The scariest end to a night of trick-or-treating is a trip to the emergency room, the government said Tuesday.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued its annual Halloween tips for keeping children safe:

_Make sure costumes and bags are bright and easily visible to motorists. Add reflective tape that will glow in a car's headlights. Have children carry flashlights.

_Get costumes, masks, beards and wigs made of flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label ``Flame-Resistant.'' Avoid costumes made with flimsy materials, big baggy sleeves or skirts that could fall upon open flames.

_Masks, hats and scarves should fit well and provide adequate ventilation without obstructing vision.

_Costumes should not drag on the ground and shoes should fit well _ no oversized high heels. Accessories such as swords or knives should be made of soft, flexible material.

_Children should not eat any treats before an adult has examined them for evidence of tampering.

_Make sure toys received by young trick-or-treaters are not small enough _ and do not have components small enough _ to present a choking hazard.

_Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and the path of trick-or-treaters.

_Make sure lights have been tested for safety; discard damaged sets and don't overload extension cords.