Here are some tips to help you keep Halloween fun and protect your children:

1. Make sure your children trick-or-treat in a group, and/or with a trusted adult. Children under the age of 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. If children in their early teens insist on going out in a group by themselves, make sure they have a clear understanding of where they should and shouldn’t go. If your children are very young, make sure to display their full name and phone number somewhere on the costume in case they get lost.

2. Make sure your children exercise caution and look both ways when crossing the street.

3. Try not to use masks. If your children want to wear masks, make sure the mask does not partially cover their eyes as children need to have full visual abilities. Also avoid any decorative contact lenses as they tend to obstruct vision.

4. Make sure that your children’s costumes are highly visible to motorists and other traffic (ie bikes). Carrying a flashlight is a good option as are lighter colored clothing and reflective strips.

5. Make sure your children’s costumes fit properly to prevent any trips or falls.

6. Make sure your children have cell phones in case of emergencies and know how to use them.

7. If trick-or-treating without an adult, make sure your children know not to go up to houses that aren’t lit up outside, and/or look unwelcoming. They should also know to never go into a house without an adult they know accompanying them.

8. Children should be warned to avoid stepping too closely to candle-lit jack-o-lanterns and other luminaries as their costumes are usually quite flammable.

9. Make sure that you go through your children’s candy with them before any is eaten to avoid any potential dangerous items or items that your child is allergic to.