2. Walk carefully. This means wearing shoes that fit (even if they don't go with the costume), walk, don't run, stay on sidewalks, avoid cutting across yards and driveways, making sure that costumes don't drag on the ground (causing a trip hazard) and carrying items that are flexible in case you do fall.

3. Inspect the loot!  Tampering with candy is rare but it does happen.  Children should ensure that all candy is wrapped and sealed before attempting to eat it - throw out any candy with wrappers that look suspect.  Do not allow kids to eat home made baked goods unless they come from a familiar source.

4. Make your front yard safe for spooky visitors.  Remove ladders, debris, hoses,  yard trimmings and flower pots to safeguard against tripping those tiny trick-or-treaters. Turn on front yard lights if you have them and make sure any jack-o-lanterns are away from dry brush that could catch fire if they are accidentally overturned. 

5. Keep pets safe - keep pets away from those new night time visitors to avoid the possibility that Fido might bite an unsuspecting hand. The best thing to do is keep them inside away from all the action so that there is no risk of them running into the street or getting hurt.

6. Practice indoor fire safety - if you are having an indoor Halloween party, keep crepe paper, decorations and tablecloths away from jack-o-lanterns, candles and other open flames. Ensure smoke alarms are working and keep your eyes on the younger guests to make sure nobody gets burned.

7. Drive with extra caution. Halloween is exciting for the little ones and causes them to act in unpredictable ways such as darting out into the street.  The most popular trick-or-treating hours are from 5.30pm to 9:30pm so be alert during those hours, exercising caution at intersections, in neighborhoods, passing by driveways and at traffic lights.