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Halloween is a cherished tradition that children look forward to. To help keep your trick-or-treaters safe, remember the following tips. 

• Accompany children along their route. 
• Walk on the sidewalks, not in the street. 
• Travel in groups. 
• Use flashlights. 
• Wear bright, reflective and flame retardant clothing. 
• Make sure hooded costumes or masks do not block a child's vision.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. 
• Do not talk to strangers along the way. 
• Go only to well-lit houses with porch lights on. 
• Do not enter a home. 
• Bring candy home for inspection before eating it - if in doubt, throw it out. 
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police. 

Teen Halloween Safety:

Mixed in with the costumes, ghost stories, and haunted attractions this Halloween, some teens may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors as part of the holiday festivities -- including vandalism, drinking, drug use and impaired decision-making. Parents can keep safety a priority with these tips:

• Keep tabs on your teens' whereabouts and have them check in regularly.
• Set clear rules and reiterate the consequences of breaking those rules.
• Be firm and follow through on the consequences.

Motorists:

• Reduce your speed in neighborhoods.
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

For additional safety tips, contact the National Safety Council at http://www.nsc.org.