Between bags of candy and spooky celebrations, October 31 is a favorite day for many children and adults. However, the festivities aren’t all fun and games for children. This Halloween, protect your little ghost or ghoul by following these safety guidelines.

Preparation

• Make sure the costume your child wears is bright, reflective and fire-resistant. You may also wish to add reflective tape to your child’s trick-or-treat bag.
• Consider non-toxic makeup instead of a mask that can limit or block your child’s eyesight. Remember to test the makeup in a small area first and remove it before bedtime to prevent irritation.
• Preparing a good meal for your family before trick-or-treating will keep your child from filling up on unexamined candy.

While trick-or-treating

• If trick-or-treating at night, provide flashlights for all children and adults involved.
• An adult should always accompany young children, even if you trust the neighborhood they are in.

• If older children trick-or-treat with a group of friends, plan out the route they will take in advance, and make sure you have the cellphone number of someone in the group.
• Make sure your child follows all normal traffic rules, such as walking on the sidewalk. Never assume right of way, as drivers may not be able to see you or your family.

After trick-or-treating

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before allowing your child to eat anything. In addition, be wary of any homemade treat that did not come from a close friend or family.
• Too much of anything can be a bad thing—especially candy. Try to ration your child’s treats over the next days and weeks.