Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

Remind children of pedestrian safety and rules of the road.  Trick or treating should be made along one side of the street first and then the other, and that it’s best to cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks.  Walk and don’t run. Do not cut across yards or driveways.

Make sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number. Discuss with your children what they should do to call home in case of emergency.

Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Remove all objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn your outside light on so children will know they can visit your home.

Children should not to eat any goodies until you see them. Make sure that your child eats dinner before they set out, so they’ll be less tempted to eat their goodies along the way.

Children should stay in well-lit areas and should only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on. Children should never go inside homes or cars.

Before your children begin to eat their loot make sure you examine it first. Throw out any treats that are not wrapped, those in torn or loose packages, or any that have small holes in the wrappers. Check toys or novelty items for small parts and do not allow children under three years to play with them.

Keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters and lit candles, especially if they are easily frightened or become over-excited in the presence of strangers.

Go trick or treating with your children each year until they are old enough to go with a friend. Children who are alone are vulnerable to injury and bullying by older children or may encounter a predator. When they are old enough, make sure they go with two friends or in a group, and know the routes they will be taking. Make sure they wear a watch that they can read in the dark.  Give your child a cellular phone if possible.  Establish a return time and make sure children understand the importance of returning on time.

If you are driving on Halloween, be aware of children, drive slowly and enter and exit driveways and alleyways with extreme caution.  Avoid driving on Halloween, if possible.

Be sure and say thank you for your treats!

Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for ways out of the home and plan how they would get out in an emergency.

Ensure that all children in your home know the location of the exits should an emergency arise.

Ensure you have installed, working smoke alarms, and practice home escape plans.

Appoint a designated driver if you attend adult Halloween parties.