ALL DRESSED UP:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• 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.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• Obtain 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.

HOME SAFE HOME:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove 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.
• Plan and review with your children the route which is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when revelers should return home.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:

• 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 portion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age. 

• Carefully choose the props to go with an outfit, and remove choking hazards -- such as buttons and beads -- from younger children's costumes.
•  Swords, wands, and other props can cause eye, face, and head injuries, so use a flexible material, such as cardboard.
•  Avoid hats with cords, which can get caught on objects and strangle your child.

• Before you get out the carving knife, make sure you follow these jack-o'-lantern safety tips.
  
  >  Do dispose of pumpkin seeds and pulp -- potential choking hazards -- after you scoop them out.
  
  >  Don't let children under 5 handle knives. Instead, let them draw the pumpkin's face with a marker.
  
  >  Do pick out a flat, sturdy, well-lit surface for carving, and keep an eye on older children as they carve their pumpkins -- you may want to buy a pair of special pumpkin cutters that have safety bars to prevent accidents.
  
  >  Don't let your child light the candle or place it in the pumpkin by himself.
  
  >  Do move jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains and other flammable material. 
   

• A makeup disguise is a safer -- and more creative -- alternative to wearing a restrictive mask. Follow these simple steps before you decorate your child's face.
  
  >  Shop Smart. When you choose Halloween makeup or face paint, be sure that it's nontoxic.
  
  >  Try It Out. A couple of days before Halloween, do a patch test on a small section of your child's arm to make sure that she's not allergic to the product. If she breaks out in a rash or her skin swells up, call your pediatrician immediately.
  
  >  Keep an Eye on Safety. Be extra careful when you apply makeup near the eyes, because even safe cosmetics can be irritating.
  
  >  Rinse Thoroughly. Remove all the makeup from her face before bedtime. Sleeping with the paint on can irritate her skin and eyes. There should be directions on the label for taking off the makeup correctly; if not, gently wash it off with warm water and soap, cold cream, or makeup remover.