Halloween is an exciting holiday for kids and parents alike. From planning the perfect costume to trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, Halloween is not just a holiday – it’s an event! But there are some key things to keep in mind this time of year. First, it pays to lay down some ground rules for the older kids and to start demonstrating good habits for the younger ones. Here are four simple Halloween safety tips for parents.

1. Consider safety when planning costumes.

While creativity’s the order of the day, Halloween safety for kids should be the primary concern. Add reflective tape to costumes and goodie bags to make sure drivers can see the little tricksters. Equip small children with flashlights.

Ensure that clothes are fire resistant, and that shoes and masks fit well to promote good visibility and agility. Accessories like swords or knives should be short, flexible, and blunt.

Test makeup on a small patch of skin to preempt allergic reactions that would put a damper on the fun. Avoid decorative contact lenses unless they’ve been prescribed by a licensed eye professional to avoid injury to the cornea and infections.

2. Set guidelines for children.

Tell your kids not to eat anything that isn’t commercially packaged. They should bring everything home so you can examine the wrappers for any signs of tampering, and check for any food that might pose choking hazards.

To avoid the inevitable gorging of candy, make the kids (and yourself) a nutritious meal before they go out. Tell the kids (no matter how old they are) to only go to well-lit houses, avoid darkened ones, and never enter any home unless they’re accompanied by an adult.

3. No one should go trick-or-treating alone.

Groups are best, and young children need a responsible adult or two to take them around.

4. Minimize the spread of germs.

Try to avoid bobbing for apples – it isn’t very sanitary and germs are easily spread that way.

Above all, have a safe, healthy, and very happy Halloween!