Consumer Reports Warns Parents and Trick-or-Treaters on Latest Halloween Dangers

Pedestrian accidents and recalled candy among biggest risks on Halloween Night

YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ghosts and goblins aren't the only things parents and kids should watch out for this Halloween. Consumer Reports warns that this gruesome holiday is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians; and, recently, two candy manufacturers have issued product recalls. Complete guidelines for a safe Halloween are available online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Halloween is the second deadliest day for all pedestrians after New Year's Day. Fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians occur most frequently between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. Parents should take special care to make sure their trick-or-treaters are easily visible to motorists.

Additionally, two recent candy recalls can pose a threat to unsuspecting trick-or-treaters. Manufacturer Colombina recalled certain lots of their Mega Pops lollipops because they may contain traces of foreign particles. The pops came in 14-oz and 28-oz bags, with watermelon, cherry, orange, and grape flavors.  Additionally, parents of children with nut allergies should be aware that Nestle recalled lots of its Raisinets candies because they contained undeclared peanuts.

"While Halloween can be lots of fun for trick-or-treaters and parents alike, it can also pose safety risks for those not taking proper precautions," said Don Mays, Sr. Director of Safety and Technical Policy for Consumer Reports. "There are just a few simple steps that parents and trick-or-treaters can take to ensure a happy Halloween!"

Consumer Reports offers the following advice for a Happy Halloween:

COSTUMES:

• Wear bright-colored costumes and trim costumes and candy bags with reflective tape.
• Make a flashlight part of the costume to help trick-or-treaters see easily as well as aid them in being seen.
• Shoes should be sturdy and fit well so the child isn't wobbly or unsteady.
• Opt for facial make-up instead of masks that can obstruct vision.
• Choose costumes labeled "flame resistant."
• Costumes should be short enough for children to walk in without tripping. Avoid big, baggy sleeves, trailing cloaks and billowing skirts.

CANDY:

• Parents should tell their children to refrain from eating their candy while out trick-or-treating.
• Provide children with a few sweet treats to snack on while they are away.
• Carefully inspect candy when children get home to ensure they haven't received any recalled or other potentially dangerous products.

DECORATIONS

• Make sure the front of the house well lit.
• Consumer Reports recommends using battery operated electric candles rather than real flames to decorate porches and pumpkins.
• Clear porches and front yards of garden hoses, lawn decorations or anything a child could trip over.
• Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Check outdoor lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Place lit jack-o-lanterns away from doorsteps and landings.

For more Halloween safety tips and recall information, log on to Consumer Reports' safety blog at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Sound bytes and BROLL on of this story are available on Pathfire.

OCTOBER 2010

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SOURCE Consumer Reports