Halloween Safety: For a safe and festive holiday, check out these tips for safe celebrations for all ages.

• Use makeup instead of masks.
• Carry a flashlight after dark.
• Put reflective tape on the children's costumes.
• Inspect all candy before eating to be sure it is fully wrapped

Young trick-or-treaters

• Use face paint or makeup. Look for nontoxic and hypoallergenic makeup instead of masks, especially for very young children. Masks can make it hard for youngsters to see and breathe.
• Wigs and beards shouldn't cover the eyes or mouth. Be sure headgear won't slide over the child's face.
• Add reflective tape to costumes. Choose light colors. Be sure the costume is not too heavy for the child. Accessories such as wands should be soft and flexible.
• Costumes should be short enough so the child won't trip. Sleeves should fit properly as well. Avoid footwear that makes it hard to walk.
• Use flame-resistant fabric for homemade costumes.

Adolescents and teens

• Travel in groups. Go only to the houses of people you know. Younger children should be accompanied by a responsible older person.
• Carry flashlights.
• Carry a mobile phone for quick communication.
• Stay focused on your surroundings. If harassed or threatened, go into the nearest store or restaurant and ask to use the phone. Call parents and/or police. Let the proprietors know that your group feels unsafe.
• Be very cautious around jack-o'-lanterns with lit candles. Keep an eye out for flames and/or candles on porches.
• Consider alternatives to trick-or-treating. Alternatives include house or school parties or volunteering at a haunted-house project.

Teen and adult drivers

• Clear the driver's view. Be sure that neither the driver's costume nor anything else in the car obstructs the driver's visibility.
• Wear a seat belt. Be sure your passengers are wearing a safety belt, even if they have to take off part of their costume to attach it.
• Drive slowly and defensively. Don't assume that a pedestrian, especially an excited youngster in a costume, will move as you expect. Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters darting out from parked cars.

Homeowners

• Replace burned-out bulbs in exterior lights. Leave your exterior lights on later than usual—perhaps even all night.
• Clear the pathway. Make sure the path to your door is well lighted and your lawn is clear of things that could be tripped over, such as jack-o'-lanterns with lit candles, ladders, garden hoses, flowerpots, bikes, and animal leashes.
• Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and stairs.
• Keep excitable pets away from the door. You'll have a safer and calmer house if you keep Fido away from where you are dispensing the treats.
• Put your car in the garage. Lock your garage doors.

Alternative treats

Instead of candy, offer these treats:

• Halloween stickers
• Halloween pencils
• Halloween erasers
• Sugar-free gum
• Plastic spider rings
• Small toys
• Temporary tattoos
• Miniature boxes of raisins
• Coins—how about a new state quarter?
• Individual packages of cheese or peanut-butter crackers or pretzels
• Boxes of fruit juice
• Gel pens
• Fast-food coupons
• Key chains
• Hackey sacks or squeeze-foam balls