Safety during Halloween is extremely important. Due to the large amounts of traffic and confusion, little ones can be lost very easily in the crowd. Here are some tips for keeping your kids safe:

1) Costuming.

Try to choose costumes that are bright and reflective so that even in the dark, passersby and motorists will be able to see them. Try to choose costumes that are comfortable for children. They’re going to have to walk around for up to two hours as witches and goblins, so high heels or sandals probably aren’t the best idea for costumes.

2) Go with them!

Although this may seem self-explanatory, there are some parents who allow their kids to trick or treat by themselves at a young age. This is a very bad idea! Parents really should accompany children until around age 10. At this age, kids are about mature and ready enough to trick or treat by themselves. It’s also advised to have kids trick or treat with friends, as this would deter potential evil-doers from making mischief.

3) Stay on the beaten path.

Check with your local police department and see where officers patrol the most often. You can then guide your kids to the best and safest streets to get candy. You should also check to see if there is a “Halloween Patrol” in your area. These groups are usually made up of local, older High School age students who patrol certain sections of the neighborhood and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Also, don’t have kids go up to houses with lights off or houses that look empty.

4) Stay healthy!

After your kids get home from trick-or-treating let them have a few pieces of candy, but then you should hide the rest of it. Try to fairly ration it out over a period of time because large amounts of sugar and fat can be very harmful to children’s bodies.

Have fun, be safe, and trick-or-treat your heart out.