Keep your little ghost and goblins safe (and the big ones too) by following these CPSC safety tips:
Pumpkin Carving:
– Kid helpers can grab a spoon and scoop out the inside, or use a marker to trace the template, but leave the carving to the adults.
– When the masterpiece is carved, consider inserting a battery-operated light rather than an open-flame candle.
Costume Creating:
– When selecting fabric, use bright colors of polyester or nylon. Sheer cotton and rayon fabrics can burn rapidly if there is contact with an open flame.
– Avoid baggy or oversized costumes. Many injuries last year involved trips and falls.
– Eye and nose holes in masks should allow for full visibility and adequate breathing. Makeup is a safer alternative.
– Always use reflective tape as a trim for costumes and outerwear. A bright flashlight or glow stick can also help illuminate the walkways for the trick-or-treaters.
Creative Decorating:
– Prevent fires by using battery-operated lights and glow sticks instead of candles.
– Pay attention to placement of decorations. To help prevent falls, remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
– Use CPSC’s ladder safety tips to prevent injuries while putting up or taking down decorations.
– For indoor décor, keep candles and jack-o’-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. It’s just safer to use battery-operated lights.
– Indoors or outside, use only lights 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.