The Halloween horror show you don't want, courtesy of your federal government

Ouch! Cheapo Halloween flashlights that Target imported from China could burn your claws!

It's a little pre-Halloween warning from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. When I was young, we heard all about razor blades in apples, even though no one ever actually knew where that anecdote came from. These days, we have products like these flashlights that melt in your hand, unlike the candy. Apparently Target imported 610,000 of these "Flashlight with Stencil" and "Mini Flashlights" before someone realized their incendiary tendencies. The manufacturers are listed as DGI LLC, of Warren, N.J. and Tien Hsing, of Wanchai, Hong Kong. So far only one person has reported getting burn

ed by the melting products.

The recall was a little added alert to the CPSC's annual advice on how to avoid getting burned, lacerated, poisoned, electrocuted or otherwise maimed on Halloween. Here are some of their tips:

"Incidents involving burns from flammable costumes and lacerations related to pumpkin carving lead the list of Halloween-related injuries.

"Using inherently flame-resistant fabrics in home-made costumes and using battery-operated candles when decorating the house for Halloween can help keep children safe," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

Make this year's holiday a safe one by following a few simple safety tips:

* When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

* Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.

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. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

* 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.

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

* If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.

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

Treats

* Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.

Decorations

* Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

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

* Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

* Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.