Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult or older teen.

Young children should carry identification which includes name, address and phone number, in case they get separated from the group.

Feed children a nutritious meal before trick or treating, and instruct them not to eat treats before bringing them home for inspection.

Do not allow children to carve pumpkins. Have them draw a face with markers, and have an adult do the carving.

Votive candles are safest for lighting pumpkins.

Place lit pumpkins on sturdy surfaces away curtains and other flammable objects. Do not place them on walkways where a costume can come into contact with the flame. Do not leave lit pumpkins unattended.

Establish rules for older children
-Follow a pre-planning route
-Stay in familiar neighborhoods
-Establish a curfew
-Stay in groups
-Don't go to home without lights on
-Don't enter strangers homes
-If possible have them carry a mobile phone

Costume Safety:
-Make sure costumes are made of fire retardant materials.
-Attach reflective tape to costumes or carry a flashlight to remain visible after dark. Make sure flashlight have fresh batteries.
-Make sure costumes are not too long and shoe fit to avoid tripping.
-Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Make sure eye openings are large, and that the mask has nose and mouth openings.
-Considering using non-toxic make-up rather than a mask.
-Do not allow your child to carry costume accessories such as knives and sword that have sharp edges or points. Accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

Halloween is one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year. (Centers for Disease Control)

Drivers can avoid accidents by:
-Being vigilant and alert. Realize children are excited and may not being paying proper attention.
-Driving slowly through neighborhoods.
-Watching for children walking in roads and on medians and curbs
-Watching for children darting out from between parked cars
-Entering driveways and alleys slowly
-Watching for children in dark clothing
-Cleaning windshields and headlights to improve visibility

Pedestrians can avoid accidents by:
-Following pedestrian traffic rules. Walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.
-Using sidewalks and crosswalks when available.
-Looking both ways before crossing the streets.
-Walking rather running
-Remaining visible after dark by carrying a flashlight (with fresh batteries) or attaching reflective tape to costumes.

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury on Halloween.

Make your home safe for trick or treaters by:
-Turning on outside lights.
-Removing objects from driveways, porches and lawns that could be cause a child to trip. These objects include bikes and toys, lawn ornaments, hoses, extension cords, tree limbs.
-Sweeping wet leaves from sidewalks and steps to prevent falls.
-Restraining pets.

Trick or treaters can avoid trips and falls by:
-Not crossing lawns. Unseen objects (sprinklers, hoses) and uneven terrain can cause tripping.
-Making sure costumes are not too long and shoes fit.