Here are a few reminders to share with your own ghosts and goblins before they head out into the night:

ALL DRESSED UP

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

CARVING A NICHE

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers.  Then parents can do the cutting.
• Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

HOME SAFE HOME

• To keep homes safe for visiting Trick-or-Treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a Trick-or-Treater.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:

• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

• A good meal prior to parties and Trick-or-Treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

With Halloween just a few days away, even the most health conscious eaters will be faced with the temptation to overindulge. Maryann Codd, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., pediatric outpatient dietician at Cooper University Hospital, offers some advice for maintaining healthy eating habits during this difficult time of year.

“Today’s families are very busy, so unfortunately a lot of thought does not go into what treats are given to children, especially at Halloween,” says Codd. “People tend to buy big bags of “fun size” candies because they’re convenient and cheap, not realizing how many calories are in each bite-sized snack.”

A few healthy treats to hand out to children that won’t disappoint include individual bags of pretzels, popcorn, animal crackers and Goldfish crackers. In addition, 100 calorie cookies and snack mix bags make a great choice.

“After children finish Trick-or-Treating, parents should have them choose a few pieces of their favorite candy and store it somewhere out of reach. The rest should be removed from the home – and I don’t advise bringing it to work!” adds Codd.

She says giving kids a piece or two of their “saved” candy for dessert or a treat for the week or two after Halloween is perfectly reasonable.

If your child has diabetes, Codd urges you to consult his or her physician regarding insulin coverage. The doctor can recommend the amount of candy that can be consumed without drastically raising sugar levels.

So what should you do with the unwanted candy? “Check with your church or local grammar school to see if a post-Halloween Candy Drive is planned,” she says. “Some organizations gladly accept ‘extra’ Halloween candy and ship it to soldiers serving overseas or donate it to needy or sick children. If not, be a leader and organize a candy drive yourself!”

1. Carry a flashlight and place reflective tape on costumes or trick-or- treat bags to be more visible to motorists.
2. Carry a mobile phone and know how to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
3. Travel in groups and communicate to one another where you’ll be going.
4. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. When there’s no sidewalk, walk at the far edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
5. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
6. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or at exit driveways.