Halloween is supposed to be a "spooky" time of year. But for parents, the most frightening parts of the season are the dangers children face on Halloween night. You can help ensure your child has a safe night by discussing the following safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics with your little trick-or-treater:

All dressed up

• Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Provide flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Carving a niche

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
• Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
• Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects and should never be left unattended.
• Kids should be taught to stay far away from jack-o-lanterns while trick-or-treating, as many costumes can catch fire easily.

Home safe home

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

On the trick-or-treat trail

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Children should understand that they are not to stray from the route, so that parents can find them in case of emergency.  Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Remind trick-or-treaters:
  . Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  . Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
  . Only go to homes with a porch light on.
  . Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  . If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  . Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  . Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
  . Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
  . Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops doesn't mean others will.
  . Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Eating the treats

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

Halloween safety information on childrens.com
Learn more Halloween safety tips on our Web site.

More Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Safety Council