1. Costumes should be short enough so that they don’t cause your child to trip and fall.

2. For good visibility, add some reflective tape to the costume or bag he is using to carry candy or make/choose a costume made of bright material that is visible in the dark.

3. Masks should fit securely and allow your child to see well and not hinder visibility.

4. Knives, swords and other props should be made of a flexible material, so that they don’t pose a hazard if fallen on.

5. Children should be well supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating.

6. Carry a flashlight.

7. Stick to well lit houses in familiar neighborhoods, avoid taking shortcuts across backyards or alleys, use sidewalks on well lit streets.

8. Instruct your children to bring all candy home before eating it so that you can carefully inspect it for tampering. Children shouldn’t snack while they’re out trick-or-treating, before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go — don’t send them out on an empty stomach.

9. Homeowners should prepare their home for trick-or-treaters by removing obstacles from the front yard, restraining dogs and other animals, and lighting the house well.

10. Artificial lights and candles are a safer alternative to real candles with a flame that can pose a fire hazard.