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Choosing a safe Halloween costume -

Make sure that Halloween costumes are fire-resistant. For your information, the US Flammable Fabrics Act, which mandates flammability standards for textiles, costumes, and apparel, was passed in 1953. Check the label!

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Wear the right hair -

The same goes for wigs. Make sure headwear is made of fire-retardant material.

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The brighter, the better -

Choose Halloween costumes that are bright and reflective. While these colors might not represent the mood of the occasion, wearing a vivid outfit helps the wearer remain visible.

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A good fit -

Select a Halloween costume that is the correct size. An ill-fitting choice can cause trips and falls.

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Face-off with paint -

Opt for face paint rather than donning a mask. A mask can obstruct a child's vision.

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Use makeup properly -

Nontoxic makeup should always be used. And always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation or allergic reaction develops.

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Check the candy -

Inspect candies before you or your child eats them, especially oversized sweets or chocolates that may cause upper airway obstruction.

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Tastes funny? -

Another good reason for checking out candy is to make sure it has not been tampered with.

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Eating in -

In fact, to be absolutely safe, tell your kids not to eat any treats until they return home.

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Beware of allergies -

Insisting that candy treats be enjoyed at home also facilitates being able to check for any potential food allergens, if necessary.

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Say no to alcohol -

While it no doubt enlivens the spirit of the occasion, on no account should a child be offered alcohol on Halloween, or at any other time for that matter. Save the punch for adults.

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Trick-or-treating -

An adult should always accompany kids while they go out trick-or-treating. A group with at least two adults is the ideal combination.

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Age appropriate -

Younger kids should join youngsters aged around 12 or under for trick-or-treating. Older children may well be out without supervision, and can stray into unfamiliar neighborhoods.

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Don't do Halloween alone -

Children should never trick or treat alone. They should stick with friends they know well and can trust.

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Out on the street -

Kids should make sure to cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and designated crosswalks.

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Walk this way -

Remember to tell your children to look left, right, and again when crossing, and to keep looking as they walk.

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Plan the route -

Parents, if your older children plan on trick-or-treating unsupervised in small groups, agree on a plan and a route acceptable to all.

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Beware of the unknown -

Children should never venture into unknown buildings or houses, no matter how appealing the premises.

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Stranger danger -

Similarly, teach your children never to accept an invitation to enter a stranger's house or car.

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Be seen -

When trick-or-treating at night, use a flashlight to see and to be seen.

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The midnight hour -

The witching hour is late, so, moms and dads, agree on a specific time children should return home.

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Be smart -

Adult and children alike should hang up their smart devices while out and about. Instead, keep heads up and be aware of what's going on around you.

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Driving at night on Halloween -

Motorists should take extra precautions on Halloween. Streets that are normally quiet, for example, may well be unusually busy with costumed youngsters.

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It can be dark out there -

And motorists, be extra vigilant on Halloween night when driving through built-up neighborhoods. Many kids trick-or-treating will be dressed in dark clothing, as is the ghoulish fashion.

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Be safe rather than sorry -

Insist on kids wearing a reflective jacket over their costume. It may ruin the aesthetic, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

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Park up and stay home -

New, inexperienced drivers should be discouraged from getting behind the wheel on Halloween night.

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Fire risk -

Candlelight perfectly enhances the eerie Halloween atmosphere. But beware: a naked flame is always a fire risk. Always supervise an illuminated pumpkin display, and have a fire extinguisher at hand.

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Good night -

Remember to remove all makeup from face and hair before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation, and to avoid the possibility of transferring paint and more to bedsheets.

Sources: (Consumer Product Safety Commission) (National Safety Council)

See also: The best (and worst) celebrity Halloween costumes

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