·         Map out a plan.  Designate a route and make sure your kids stick to it.

·         Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.  Make sure their shoes fit well and that the costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

·         Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

·         Don't cover the face.  Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.  If they do wear a mask, make sure the eye holes are big enough to allow for peripheral vision. 

·         Think twice before using simulated knives, guns, or swords.  If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

·         Use flashlights and glowsticks.

·         Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

·         Do not allow your kids to bicycle, roller blade or skateboard.

·         Take the long way around.  Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around.  Don't take short cuts through parking lots and alleys.

·         Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face. There are many kits available that come with tiny saws that work better then knives and are safer, although you can be cut by them as well. It's best to let the kids clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which you can carve for them.

·         Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them. 

·         Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating.  Remind them not to enter strange homes.  Let them know what acceptable behavior is.