When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be 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 should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores. To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.

Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling. Children should wear well

fitting, sturdy shoes . Mother' s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking. Hats and scarves should

be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.

Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict

breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

For the Child Ninja, Martial Arts Expert, and Karate Kid, swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.

Last but not least, young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. Don't take shortcuts with this tip. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.

Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Children should also not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.

Before your child begins opening their treats and eating them, make sure you or another adult carefully examines them for evidence of tampering.

Expecting trick-or-treaters yourself? Remove anything that could be an obstacle from your lawn, steps

and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited.

Hope these safety tips help keep your Goblin or Karate Master safe and their bag full of candy!