Halloween is fun for kids of all ages.  But it does take some planning to make sure that Trick-or-Treating is safe and enjoyable for everyone. 
Here are some tips that will help keep your ghouls, goblins, and their 4-footed friends safe this Halloween!

Motorists
The National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert on Halloween. 
If you're driving during Trick-or-Treat hours please keep the following in mind:
Drive SLOWLY
Watch for children darting out from between parked cars
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
If you are driving children, be sure they exit on the curb side, away from traffic
Do not wear your mask while driving
Turn your lights on even in daylight - they'll make you more visible
At twilight or later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
Drive cautiously to give yourself extra time to react to children crossing the street

Parents
Before children head out the door, parents should:
Make sure that an adult will be supervising the Trick-or-Treating for children under 12
Know the route your children are taking - they should only Trick-or-Treat in familiar areas
Teach your children to never, ever enter a stranger's home, and make sure they only stop at houses that are well-lit
Set time limits - know when your child is returning home
Tell your children not to eat any treats, no matter how tempting, until they get home and you've inspected it
Know the names of older companions accompanying your children
Review pedestrian and traffic safety rules with your children, establish and review Trick-or-Treat safety precautions
Do not allow children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard while Trick-or-Treating


Costumes
Costumes should only be made from fire-retardant materials
Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath
Falls are the leading cause of injuries on Halloween - make sure that costumes are not so long that they are a tripping hazard
Costumes should be made of light-colored materials so children can be easily seen by motorists - strips of reflective tape should be used for even more visibility



Face Design
If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes
A great alternative to masks is face painting - face make up is safer and more colorful, and won't obstruct a child's vision like a mask can
When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic" and be sure to follow all manufacturer's instructions for correct application

Accessories
Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials - never allow children to carry sharp objects
Bags or sacks carried by children should be light-colored and/or trimmed with reflective tape if trick-or-treating after dark
Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths - make sure you have fresh batteries

Children
should understand and follow these rules while Trick-or-Treating
Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision
Always walk - do not run - from house to house
Stay on the sidewalk - don't cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards
Stay on the sidewalk, do not walk in the street - if there isn't a sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic
Obey all traffic signals - don't assume you have the right of way - just because one car stops, it doesn't mean others will!
Cross only at the corners, and be sure to look both ways
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and make sure they fit properly
Take a cell phone with you if possible
Always be polite, and don't forget to say "Trick-or-Treat" and "Thank You"



Treats
Have your children eat dinner before going out - it will discourage them from filling up on Halloween treats
Although tampering is rare, insist that ALL candy and treats be brought home for inspection BEFORE anything is eaten
Wash fruit and cut into small pieces
Report anything that appears suspicious about treats to the police immediately
When in doubt, throw it out

Pets
Halloween can be a very traumatic and even dangerous time for your pet
Don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween
Strangers visiting in costumes can be scary for a dog
Be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart outside when you open the door -make sure they are wearing collars and proper identification tags in case they do escape
Trick-or-Treat candies of any type are NOT for pets - remember that chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals
Do not dress the dog or cat in a Halloween costume - this puts a lot of stress on the animal
Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin - don't leave lighted candles of Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or curious cat - not only could your pet start a fire, but they could also severely burn themselves in the process
Consult your veterinarian for further advice