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Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe this Halloween

CPSC offers tips for preventing injury on Halloween

October 30, 2009

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Young ghouls and goblins will soon prowl neighborhoods across the country in search of their annual Halloween treats. But dangerous tricks could be lurking in the shadows for some unsuspecting trick-or-treaters, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns.

The agency says accidents involving burns from flammable costumes and cuts from pumpkin carving top the list of Halloween-related injuries.

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum says there are a few simple steps parents can take to ensure their children's safety this Halloween:

• Make sure costumes, masks, beards, and wigs, are made of flame resistant fabric, like nylon or polyester, or have a label that states they are "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To reduce the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with baggy sleeves or billowing skirts;

• Buy or make costumes that are light, bright, and clearly visible to motorists;

• Add reflective tape to costumes and bags for greater visibility in the dark;

• Have children carry flashlights to ensure they can see -- and are seen by motorists;

• To avoid trips and falls, make sure costumes do not drag on the ground;

• Have children wear sturdy shoes; they could easily fall in oversized high heels;

• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and blocking their view;

• Make sure masks fit securely, provide enough ventilation, and have eye holes that do not block a child's view;

• Make sure swords, knives, and similar accessories are made of soft, flexible material;

• Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has inspected them;

• Examine any toys or novelty items given to children under the age of three to ensure they do not pose a choking hazard;

• Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame;

• Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches before trick-or-treaters arrive;

• Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other items inside a home that could ignite. Never leave burning candles unattended;

• Only use decorative lights approved by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections;

• Do not overload extension cords.

For more information on these and other Halloween safety tips, visit the CPSC's Web site.

Consumers can report any dangerous products or product-related injuries to the CPSC's hotline, (800) 638-2772.

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