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• Help them choose costumes that allow for adequate vision and mobility. Plan ahead so that last-minute costume designs don’t lead to trips and falls. Is your kid a procrastinator? Give a reasonable deadline for dress-up decisions – and stick to it.

• Flame resistant does not mean fireproof, so keep trick or treaters away from open flames. Do not use real fire as part of their costume – there are plenty of fake, flickering lights that can do just as good a job and won’t blow out in the wind.

• Superheroes, pirates, cowboys and other weapon wielding wonders should carry props that are obviously fake and will not cause accidents and injury.

• Older children and teens should be cautious about controversial costumes. Dressing like a rival gang-banger on the wrong turf can have disastrous consequences.

• Trick or treat during daylight hours, or make sure at least part of your child’s costume is reflective so motorists can see them.

• Be sure to plan the trick or treat route. Select homes you know. This is not the time for kids to boldly go where no kid has gone before.

• Accompany young children and make sure older kids travel in groups. No child should trick or treat alone, even to the house next door.

• Carry flashlights and a cell phone. Make sure the batteries are fresh before you leave the house. Better yet, take time beforehand to pop new batteries into the flashlights while the cell recharges.

• Reinforce these safety measures before they head out:
o Do not talk to or take anything from strangers.
o Walk, don’t run
o Follow pedestrian safety rules (use cross walks, obey traffic lights, etc.)
o How to call home or 911 in case of emergency
o How to ‘Stop-Drop-and-Roll” if their costume does catch on fire.
o No bad behavior – no egg throwing, toilet paper hanging, graffiti, or any other creative mayhem.

• Instruct children to not eat any of their booty until you inspect it. Minimize temptation by giving them nibbles from home to munch on along their route.

• Use your booty inspection to ration the goodies and ward off bellyaches. You can also keep your own home safe for visiting ghouls and goblins:

• Offer healthy alternatives to candy, such as popcorn. Choose treats that are pre-packaged. Other safety conscious moms will toss out unwrapped goodies, just as you will.

• Turn on your outdoor lighting, and keep the walkways clear of toys and other safety hazards.

• Keep the pets inside and away from the front door. The noise and sights can frighten pets, which may bolt and get lost. Candy can cause serious harm to pets, too, so keep all goodies out of their reach.