KEEP FRIGHTS FUN THIS HALLOWEEN

Halloween frights are only fun if they're make-believe. Burns, fire, and falls can cause very frightening and serious injuries on Halloween. Northwest firefighters offer tips to help make Halloween safely scary.

To protect your ghouls and goblins, make sure that they can move freely, see and be seen:

• The most common injury for both children and adults on Halloween is falls. Keep walkways well lit and free of obstacles.

• Apply makeup directly to the face for the safest type of disguise. If a mask is worn, cut out the eye holes so that they're large enough to allow a full range of vision, and be sure that the mask won't slip and slide.

• Costumes should not interfere with movement. They should be short enough to avoid tripping, footwear should fit well, and hats and wigs should not slip down over eyes.

• Select flame-resistant costumes, wigs, beards, and other apparel.

• Costumes should be light, bright or decorated with reflective tape to make children more visible to motorists.

• Have trick-or-treaters, and their adult escorts, carry flashlights and stay on walkways.

• If driving, slow down and be especially alert for children in streets, on medians and darting out into traffic

• Avoid candles in Jack-O'Lanterns or decorations. Use electric or battery power instead, and make sure that there is nothing hot where trick-or-treaters might bump into it.

• Adults should accompany young children and keep them in sight at all times.

• Have children bring treats home before eating them. Parents should check treats to be sure the items have not been tampered with.

The Northwest Fire/Rescue District wishes everyone a safely scary Halloween. For additional safety information, call Northwest Fire Life Safety offices at 887-1010.