By: Ashmar Mandou

For young children, Halloween night is one of the best of the year, but trick-or-treating can be dangerous if kids and parents are not careful. Take a look at some vital Halloween tips to ensure a safe and fun trick-or-treating night.

Use the Buddy System
As your children get a little older, they may not want their parents tagging along while they trick-or-treat. You know your kids the best, of course, but most Halloween safety tips recommend that parents accompany children under 12. If your older child is venturing out without you, make sure that he or she will be with at least a few friends the entire night.

Stay on Sidewalk
Your kids know not to stray into the road when they’re walking to school. But on Halloween, when kids are running amok all over the neighborhood from house to house, it may seem like all bets are off. It’s essential to make sure that your kids are still following basic safety rules, like staying on the sidewalks and looking both ways before crossing the street. On busier roads, be sure to use the crosswalk and make absolutely sure that any approaching drivers can see you. Be careful about sprinting across unfamiliar lawns, too; in the dark, it can be tricky to see decorations or other tripping hazards lurking in the yard.

Stay Well-Fit
No matter how cool your child’s costume may be, it shouldn’t forego safety. If the costume is dark in color, apply reflective tape to your child’s costume to ensure they are seen by drivers on the road. Also, carry a flashlight with you to keep your child’s path lit at all times.

Avoid Masks
Masks might look cool, but you should proceed with caution since they don’t really adhere to most Halloween safety tips. Many masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use non-toxic make-up to complete the costume instead.

Be Mindful of the Candy
Halloween safety tips don’t just apply to your own children. If your neighborhood has a lot of tiny tots, you might want to steer clear of candies like Everlasting Gobstoppers or Skittles, which could present a choking hazard. If you yourself have a child under the age of three, make sure you check their candy haul and remove anything they could choke on, too. And don’t forget that not all kids can safely eat every type of candy.