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Halloween
A few safety tips from the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission can protect children who plan to go
trick-or-treating this Halloween. |
Treats
Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them
for evidence of tampering.
Flame
Resistant Costumes
When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and
wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean
these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and
should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the
risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made
with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Costume Designs
Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough
to be clearly visible to motorists.
For greater visibility during dusk
and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in
the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or
decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in
hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
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To
easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
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Costumes
should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
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Children
should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Mother' s high heels are not a good
idea for safe walking.
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Hats
and scarves should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over
children's eyes.
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Apply
a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting
mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used,
however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow
full vision.
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Swords,
knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible
material.
Pedestrian Safety
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an
older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house
and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children
should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across
lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present
dangers.
Choosing
Safe Houses
Children should go only to homes where the residents are
known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.
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Children
should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an
adult.
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People
expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle
from lawns, steps and porches.
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Candlelit
jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where
costumes could brush against the flame.
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Indoor
jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other
furnishings that could be ignited.
All tips and the costume
graphic are courtesy
of the: CPSC.
See Also
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