From staff reports

As children and parents prepare for next Sunday’s Halloween festivities, it is worth adding a measure of safety to the planning.

Saturday, October 23, 1999

As children and parents prepare for next Sunday’s Halloween festivities, it is worth adding a measure of safety to the planning.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a list of safety tips regarding costumes, treats and decorations:

-Get costumes, masks, beards and wigs made of flame resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, and avoid costumes made with flimsy materials or big baggy sleeves or skirts.

-Make sure costumes are bright and easily visible to motorists, add reflective tape that will glow in a car’s headlights and carry flashlights.

-Costumes should not drag on the ground, shoes should fit well – no oversized high heels – and accessories such as swords or knives should be made of soft, flexible material.

-Masks should fit well and provide adequate ventilation.

-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, jack-o’-lanterns and obstacles away from trick-or-treaters.

-Make sure lights have been tested for safety, discard damaged sets and don’t overload extension cords.

The key in all of this are parents. Have fun this Halloween, but keep in mind safety.

Likewise next Sunday, motorists must do their part by driving slowly and watching for children, who could dart into the streets without warning.