Full Notification

Decorations
• 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 when expecting trick-or-treaters.
• When indoors, keep candles and jack o' lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Whether indoors or outside, use only decorative light strands that have been tested for safety 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. Discard damaged sets.
• Don't overload extension cords.

Costumes
• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards, and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon or polyester; or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will 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 big, baggy sleeves, large capes, or billowing skirts.
• Purchase or make costumes that are light colored, bright, and 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 also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
• Children should carry flashlights to be able to see and to be seen.
• To guard against trips and falls, costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. High heels are not a good idea.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing their vision.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has holes for eyes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats
• Children should not eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
• Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters who are younger than 3 years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Have a great Halloween!