Halloween is supposed to be spooky but it shouldn't be spooky for parents and the community. We all want the children to have a wonderful time on Halloween and we can contribute to a safe and fun evening by reminding ourselves and educating our children about possible trick-or-treating dangers. According to Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Hal Stratton, fire safety is one of the key ingredients to a safer Halloween. I've included a few safety tips from the CPSC website (www.cpsc.gov) as well as some good old common sense. It is a rather long column but I hope you take the time to read it.

Costumes:

* Look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label Úquot;Flame Resistant;Úquot;

* Avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts which can easily catch fire when coming into contact with a lit candle;

* Make sure the costume's color is light, bright and clearly visible to motorists and 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; and

* Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape.

General Safety Tips:

* Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen;

* Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls;

* Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Avoid high heels;

* Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision;

* Make sure your child's mask fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision; and

* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats:

* Warn children not to eat any treats that are not examined for evidence of tampering; and

* Especially with young children under 3 years old carefully examine any toys or novelty items received.

Decorations:

* Avoid using lit candles, and certainly do not leave burning candles unattended;

* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters; and

* Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory; and

* Don't overload extension cords.

When and How to Trick or Treat:

* Continue our tradition of taking young children to trick-or-treat when it is still light outside;

* If an adult can't go with you, don't trick or treat alone - go with a group of children;

* If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic;

* Never cross a street with your mask on as the mask keeps you from seeing well;

* Cross only at corners. Never cross the street between parked cars or in the middle of the block; and

* Never go inside a stranger's house and stay within the neighborhood you know.

Parents:

* Know whom your child will be with;

* Arrange for an adult to accompany trick-or-treaters;

* Know the route your child will travel;

* Instruct children to leave all candy and other treats intact until you inspect them;

* Dispose of candy that is unwrapped or has a torn wrapper;

* Wash and cut fruit into small pieces before eating;

* If you give loose or homemade treats, add your name and address to the package so parents will know where it came from; and

* Keep your house well lit.

With Halloween comes a serious threat to child pedestrian safety. The shift to standard time means earlier darkness and reduced visibility for both motorists and pedestrians. Please be extra cautious to ensure that this will be a nice day for the children.

It is hoped that parents of all teenagers who are permitted to roam the village on Halloween night will take time to remind them to observe the rights and property of their neighbors. While the police department will be prepared to apprehend any violators and problem youth, it is hoped that this will not be necessary as we do not want to have vandalism and criminal mischief detract from the run of this tradition in our village.