CPSC Urges Caution With Trick-Or-Treating

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today urged parents and guardians of children who go trick-or-treating this Halloween to warn them not to eat any of their treats before they get home.

CPSC said that with recent reports of products being tampered with, it is more important than ever before for parents and guardians to carefully examine all treats before allowing children to eat them.

The Commission also offered the following suggestions for a safer Halloween:

- Buy or make Halloween costumes light or bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility in dusk or darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape which will "glow" in the beam of a car's headlights. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Also, have children carry flashlights to see and be seen more easily.

- Buy costumes, masks, beards and wigs that are labeled "Flame Resistant" or "Flame Proof." Although this does not mean they won't catch fire, such labeling does indicate that they will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. Avoid flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Closer fitting outfits are less likely to come in contact with candles or other sources of ignition.

- Make sure costumes are short enough for the child to prevent trips and falls.

- Tie hats securely so they won't slip over children's eyes.

- Make walking safer and easier with well-fitted shoes. Mother's high heels are not a good idea.

- If knives, swords or similar accessories are carried, they should be soft or flexible make-believe ones.

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

- Have smaller children accompanied by an older, responsible child or an adult.

- Have children use the sidewalk rather than walk in the street. And have them walk rather than run from house to house. Running out from between parked cars or across yards and lawns where there may be lawn ornaments or clotheslines are dangers children should be cautioned about.

- Instruct children to restrict their calls to homes where residents have porch or other outside lights on as a sign of welcome to trick-or-treaters. k Instruct children not to enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.

For those receiving trick-or-treaters, remove breakable items and tools, ladders, or playthings that could be obstacles from steps, lawns and porches. Keep candlelit jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where trick-or-treaters' costumes could brush against the flame. And place indoor jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, or other furnishings that could be ignited.