General Fire Safety

* Design costumes large enough so that warm clothing can be worn underneath and fit properly so children can walk without tripping or entangling their feet. Wigs and beards should be attached properly, so they don't get into the child's eyes, obscuring vision.

* Clothing catching fire is a danger. Be sure store-bought costumes are marked "flameproofed" or "fire-retardant". Home-made costumes should be treated with borax and borax acid to enhance their fire-retardant qualities. To be safe, children should stay a good distance from open flames and intense heat.

* Children should carry flashlights and light-colored trick-or-treat bags or use reflective tape so they can see better and be easily seen by motorists. Don't allow children to carry sharp objects - make knives, swords, and other accessories from cardboard to avoid injury.

* Children should walk on sidewalks, not streets, and always cross at intersections or crosswalks. Wait for proper traffic signals when crossing streets, and never run into the street from between parked cars, or you may be hit by oncoming traffic.

* Tell your children to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhood and in well-lit areas. Make sure children are accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager when they go door-to-door or go with them yourself if possible.

* Instruct children not to eat anything until they are home and treats have been examined. Throw away anything unwrapped and check wrappers of commercial treats for signs of tampering. Be sure children know not to enter a stranger's home while trick-or-treating.

* Lighted candles used for decoration indoors can be hazardous. Autumn leaves, cornstalks, berry branches, and similar decorations are dry. Do not use smoking material, light bulbs, or open flame (i.e., candles) near these decorations.