* Young children should be chaperoned by a responsible adult. Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups in well known neighborhoods.
* Visibility is important so carry a flashlight, stick to well lit houses and neighborhoods and add strips of reflective tape to your child's candy container and costume.
* While trick or treating follow pedestrian and traffic safety rules like properly crossing the street at the corner and staying on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, stay on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
* Costumes should be made with light-colored, flame-resistant materials. Make sure it's short enough so it won't become a tripping hazard. Shoes need to fit well with shoelaces double-knotted. The safest costume accessories are made from foam, cardboard, other flexible materials and made of flame retardant material.
* Masks should fit securely and allow your child to see well and not hinder visibility. If using face paint, make sure it is nontoxic and hypoallergenic.
* Write your child's name, address and phone number in a discreet place on the costume in case of accidental separation while hunting for candy.
* If mosquitoes are a concern in your area, spray everyone with insect repellent before venturing out for the evening.
* Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating, before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go -- don't send them out on an empty stomach.
* Throw out anything not commercially wrapped, homemade goodies, items with wrappers that are torn, opened or look tampered with and fruit. Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
Take safety precautions seriously and Halloween will be a howling success!
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