Halloween is easily one of the world's oldest holidays, and has been celebrated in the US since the 1900s. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2006 there were about 36 million trick or treaters between 5 and 13 visiting approximately 109 million households. Although 93% of households consider their neighborhoods to be safe, and 78% are not afraid to walk alone at night, it is not always safe. Children aged 5-13 are more likely to be killed while walking on Halloween than any other night of the year, with falls being the most common cause of injury. The excitement of getting dressed up in costumes and going out trick or treating will also cause many to forget to be careful and to be more prone to injury and accidents.

So what are parents to do to keep their kids safe? Here are just a few suggestions: First and foremost use common sense. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult and should go out during daylight hours.
All children should never go out alone, but in groups and with an adult when possible. All family members should know the route the trick or treaters are following and if they are planning to stop at a party or event. A curfew time should also be set. Children should visit only houses with lights on and should never go into a stranger’s house or car. Children should wear costumes that fit well, allow complete visibility, are flame resistant, and should have reflective tape on either the costume or on the goody bag. Children should walk not run, cross at crosswalks or the end of the street. Do not walk or cross in middle of the street or across lawns.  Keep to driveways and sidewalks.
Carry a cell phone and flashlight. Always wait until you get home and have parents inspect the treats before you enjoy them. Bring some from home to enjoy while you are out.

Keeping these tips in mind will allow you and your children to have a safe, happy and frightfully fun Halloween.

October is just around the corner, and that means little ones will be thinking about costumes, tricks and treats for Halloween again.  Halloween can be a lot of fun, but safety should be a top priority for all.  

Starting with trick or treating, kids who will not be accompanied by an adult should spend time with their parents defining an allowable trick or treating area.  Once defined, children should not deviate from the area, so that parents will know where children will be during the evening.  Parents with cell phones should allow their children to carry it on Halloween so they can check in on an hourly basis or call for help in an emergency.  

Parents should explain to kids that when lights are turned off at houses it means that there is either no one home, or that the homeowner is not participating in Halloween activities.  Have them avoid going to unlit homes as it is just good common sense that they stay within visibility of adults and other trick or treaters.  

Regarding costumes, it's always a good idea to have children wear reflective tape.  Kids will argue that it ruins their costume, but even small pieces of reflective tape on the arms or back can make a world of difference in helping avoid traffic accidents.  It's also a good idea for children to carry a flashlight to avoid tripping hazards.

Of course extreme caution should also be exercised when trick or treating is over and kids come back to look at their candy.  Kids shouldn't eat anything until they are back home in the light where they can check for open packages.  Adults should inspect the candy and throw away anything that it isn't securely packaged.  

Following these general guidelines will help ensure that your child has a safe, howling good time on Halloween.