Ghosts and goblins may be scary, but the potential for injuries to trick-or-treaters is more frightening.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants parents to know that, like children, Halloween's hidden dangers also come in disguise.
Safety experts offer advice on how to keep Halloween costumes scary for kids, but reassuring for parents.
The agency said when trick-or-treaters are going out at night, the worst thing is a mask that restricts their vision. Parents could widen the eye holes on their children's masks or use face paint instead. And parents should always accompany young children.
The open flames that come with jack-o'-lanterns and candles pose another hazard.
"One of the greatest problems is kids dressed up in homemade costumes that are not flame-resistant," said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. "If parents make a costume, choose inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, and avoid long draped items that could cause an entanglement hazard."
After the time change, shadows loom earlier. But the prepared parent can ensure children can both see and be seen.
Costumes should be made of a light-colored material, festooned with reflective tape. The costume should fit well and be made of a flame-resistant material. And families giving out candy at home base should turn on plenty of lights to help the little ghouls out.
Here are more tips to help you and your children have a safe and happy Halloween.
Safety Tips While Trick-or-Treating
Many parents overestimate children's street-crossing skills. The pedestrian skills of children are limited by several factors related to their physical size and developmental stage. For instance, young children may lack the physical ability to cross a street quickly, and their small size limits their visibility to drivers.
Children are likely to choose the shortest rather than the safest route across streets, often darting out between parked cars. In addition, young children do not evaluate potential traffic threats effectively, cannot anticipate driver behavior, and process information more slowly than adults.
Many Halloween-related injuries can be prevented if parents closely supervise school-aged children during trick-or-treat activities.
Parents can help prevent children from getting injured at Halloween by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council.
Children should: Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses. Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult. Know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls. Have their names and addresses attached to their costumes. Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them. Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp. Wear costumes that are made of flame-resistant material, such as nylon or polyester. Wear masks, hats and scarves that don't obstruct vision or ventilation.
When walking in neighborhoods, they should: Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards. Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars. Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing. Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant. Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can obstruct a child's vision.) Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes. Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping). Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
Parents and adults should: Supervise the outing for children under age 12. Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children. Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o'-lanterns away from doorways and landings. Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street. Drive slowly. Watch for children in the street and on medians. Exit driveways and alleyways carefully. Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side. Have any decoration lights checked for safety, and don't overload extension cords.
Pumpkin Safety Tips
Carve pumpkins on stable, flat surfaces with good lighting. Have children draw a face on the outside of the pumpkin, then parents should do the cutting. Place lighted pumpkins away from young children, curtains and other flammable objects, and do not leave lighted pumpkins unattended. Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
Additional Resources:Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
