Use Caution When Buying Halloween Costumes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Halloween can turn from spooky to downright scary in an instant, which is why fire safety experts are urging parents to use caution when buying or making their children's Halloween costumes, Sacramento television station KCRA reported.

The National Fire Protection Association says decorations for special events spark, on average, 800 house fires each year. More than 100 people die annually after their clothing catches fire. Halloween is no exception.

Commercial costumes have to meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Flammable Fabrics Act -- the same standards clothing has to meet. But some may not meet those standards.

The station bought some of this season's hottest children's costumes: Spider-Man, a princess and a witch. The Sacramento Metro Fire Department helped test them for safety.

Spider-Man is the No. 1 costume this year, but it did not hold up well when a flame was put to it. It burned and melted.

"You don't want that stuck to your skin. You'd be spending time in a burn unit if you had that on you," said fire department spokesman Pat Ellis.

But the good news was that it does self-extinguish. The CPSC says parents should look for polyester or poly blends over cotton because poly is inherently more fire resistant.

Next up was the princess costume.

"It looks like it's melting from the heat, but it doesn't look like it's catching," Ellis said.

It did finally catch fire, but it took longer than Spider-Man.

Parents should look for labels that say the garment is flame-resistant. Also, watch out for any material that's flowing or billowing, such as a skirt or cape that could easily ignite.

The last costume was a red spider witch. The skirt didn't catch quickly and self-extinguishes. But when the bodice was lit, it flared up.

Ellis said to keep children away from jack-o'-lanterns with candles and other open flames.

"When their clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Practice that before you go out trick or treating," Ellis said.

Other costume safety tips include:

Making sure your children have good shoes on, so they won't trip and fall.

Making sure costumes are bright enough for drivers to see the children.