CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Fire Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

To make sure Halloween scares are make believe and never become real, the Newport Beach Fire Department has issued a list of tips and advice for holiday safety. Costumes, they say, should be fire safe with hemlines short enough to prevent tripping — falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween, said Jennifer Schulz, a fire department spokeswoman. Costumes also should be light-colored or have fluorescent or reflective tape strips that glow when hit by car headlights, and any accessory should be soft and flexible. Masks can be dangerous if they obstruct a child’s vision, so consider non-toxic makeup instead.

Trick-or-treaters should travel together in small groups with adults. They should carry a flashlight or glow stick and stay away from open flames. Go only to homes with outside lights on, and stay on the porch, Schulz said. Use crosswalks, and don’t cross between parked cars. Walk, don’t run, and stay on sidewalks.

Adults should avoid handing out treats that could be choking hazards, Schulz said, including gum, hard candies or small toys. Use battery-powered lights and not candles inside Jack-o-Lanterns. Check all your children’s candy before letting them eat it, and throw out anything that you have the slightest doubt about.

If you’re driving, slow down and watch for kids running from between parked cars. Be especially careful in driveways and alleys, and watch for children in dark costumes.

Last year, police and fire officials had no reports of serious injuries or incidents, Schulz said, adding, “We want the same statistics for this year!”