Tips to keep your little monster safe this Halloween.

Pumpkin Carving
There are few things associated with Halloween as much as carving a Pumpkin, but it can be extremely dangerous for younger children. As an alternative to carving, you can consider allowing your younger kids to use markers, paint, or a pumpkin decorating kit without the risk of pumpkin carving with a sharp blade.

Wearing a Mask
If you, or your child, are planning to wear a mask for your spooky night out, make sure that the holes for the eyes are large enough to clearly see both straight ahead and peripherally. You may have to cut the eye openings larger to allow more visibility. If any skin starts to show through the enlarged holes, you can always use some black face paint to cover the exposed areas of the skin.

Candy from Strangers
The only time of year you allow your kids to take candy from strangers, you can never be too careful. Make sure your kids understand not to eat any candy or treats until they have properly examined by you. This allows you to check for any possible tampering with the candy wrappers; and at the same time, you get a chance at the first pick of candy!

Be Seen!
Halloween is spooky enough outside without having to worry about your child not being seen in the dark while trick-or-treating. Prepare your child’s costume for strong visibility at night by choosing a costume that can be made with bright materials. If the theme of the costume does not allow for bright colors, add reflective tape to your child’s costume or treat bag.

Watch out for bad monsters
Sometimes there are monsters out that are more mean than spooky. Never let your kid go into a stranger’s house or even ring their doorbell for treats unless you are with them or say that it’s okay. There are some people in life that are not very nice to kids and you have to be very careful.

Stay Away From Haunted Houses
Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.

Monster Route
Sometimes a lost or missing child can be scarier than a thirsty vampire, for both you and your child. Know the trick or treat route your kids take, especially if you are not going with them. Have them check in regularly, by phone or by stopping back at home and make sure they do not deviate from the pre-planned trick or treat route so you will always know where they are and will be.

Spooky time flies quickly
Time always passes quickly when everyone is having fun. Always set a time that you expect your kids to be home and make sure they know how important it is for them to be home by that time. You can also make sure they know to call immediately if anything happens that might make them late.

Take the Long Way
Trick-or-treat only in well-lit areas. Stay on streets that you are familiar with, and avoid taking shortcuts through parking lots, alleys, and pathways. If you’re not sure where a street goes or whether it is safe, don’t take a chance on it.

Watch out for fast moving Mummies and Zombies
Watch out for fast moving Mummies and Zombies! Always drive well below the posted speed limit in any residential area during trick-or-treating hours. You always want to make sure you have extra time to break if a child darts in front of your car.

Halloween should be safe for ALL your little monsters
As much as your pets may beg for candy or treats, remember that chocolate can be deadly, in any amount, if ingested.

Hungry Zombies are a scary thing
A hungry Zombie can be a scary thing. A good tip to prevent your kids from overloading on candy is to serve them a very filling meal before they go out for their trick or treating - it helps to make them their favorite dinner and a big dessert that spooky night.