The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips for a safe Halloween:

• Treats:  Warn children not to eat treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.

• Flame Retardant Costumes:  When purchasing costumes, 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.  

• To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.  

• Costume Designs:  Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.  

• Children should carry flashlights to see easily and aid in being seen.

• Costumes should be short enough so that children won’t trip and fall.  

• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.  

• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.  

• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.