Six tips for a safe and fun Halloween

Jack-o'-lanterns cast a sinister light. Fairies and scaries scurry into the night. Cries of "trick or treat" fill the air; answer the doorbell, if you dare! But before you send those little monsters out for some frightful Halloween fun, make sure your family practices these six safety tips:

1. Look kooky, stay comfy. When creating costumes for your kids, keep safety and comfort in mind. Choose fabrics and materials that are flame resistant. Keep costumes short enough so children don't trip and have kids wear comfortable shoes. Secure hats and wigs to prevent them from slipping over eyes and avoid bulky masks, which can obstruct a child's vision. Instead use makeup and face paint. And if children will be outside after dusk, put reflective tape on their costumes and make sure they carry a flashlight or glow stick.

2. Buddy up. Unsupervised children are easy targets for kidnappers and child predators. Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or trusted adult when trick-or-treating or traveling to Halloween parties. Older children should always travel in a group.

3. Steer clear of strangers. Children should be on high alert for strangers during Halloween activities. Tell your kids to never accept candy, rides or anything from strangers. Teach them it's OK to say no to unfamiliar adults and to scream, make a scene and run away if someone tries to grab them. If your child feels threatened, make sure they know how to spot trusted adults, such as police officers, crossing guards and mothers out with their children.

4. Keep tabs on gout ghouls and boos. Make sure you know every house your child visits, every party your child attends and every person handing out Halloween treats to your child. Above all, instruct your children to never go anywhere with anyone without your prior permission.

5. Check treats for tricks. Tell your kids not to eat anything they get while trick-or-treating until you inspect it. Examine treats for signs of tampering, such as small pinholes in wrappers and tern or loose packages. If something looks suspicious, throw it out.

6. Host a fright fest. If you don't think it's safe for your children to go trick-or-treating, consider throwing a Halloween party for your kids at their school, a local community center or in the comfort of your own home. Or find other ways to have scary family fun. Take the kids on a field trip to a haunted house. Pop popcorn and watch horror movies. Or turn off the lights and tell ghost stories in the dark.