Halloween is a fun fall event that gives kids a chance to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. Here are some tips to help make the festivities safer for your family.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone

Kids who are out alone on the streets are easy targets for strangers. Always make sure to walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Stay around a neighborhood that you are familiar with, where both you and your children will feel comfortable.

Traffic tips

Walk on the sidewalks to stay safe from traffic. While you are in a group, it could also help to stick reflective tape on the back of costumes and bags to help drivers see you at nighttime.

Be wary of strangers

Enter other homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Visit well-lit houses, and don't stop at dark houses or accept rides from strangers.

Be smart about sweets

After trick-or-treating, eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by people you do not know.

Costume safety

When purchasing a costume or costume accessory, look for the label Flame Resistant. This doesn't mean these items won't catch fire; it does mean that these items will resist burning and would extinguish quickly if they did happen to catch fire. To minimize the risk of contact with a flame, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or skirts. Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping, and children should always wear good sturdy shoes, especially while walking around neighborhoods.