With Halloween a week away, it's time for my annual post on Halloween safety for all folks (but especially kids) in costume:

• If you have kids who will be trick or treating, check your weather forecast to make sure that they will be warm enough, but not overheated. Consider putting a layer of fleece or a turtleneck or long underwear underneath a costume. If rain is expected, make sure you have plenty of umbrellas handy.
• Everyone who will be on the streets should have plenty of reflective tape on their costumes. Buy a roll at a home improvement store and stick it all over. Glowsticks can add to a costume AND make you more visible. Of course, several flashlights (with extra batteries) are a requirement.
• Make sure that a costume isn't so long or cumbersome that the wearer is likely to trip and fall. Hospitals are not fun on Halloween.
• Makeup allows better vision (especially peripheral vision) than masks.
• Make sure that no parts of a costume flutter. If they do, exercise exceptional care around candles or other flames.
• Limit use of candles in decorating. If you do use them, make sure they are enclosed.
• Keep all pets inside after dark on Halloween. Don't let pets outside unless you are beside them and they are leashed.
• If you are welcoming trick or treaters, clear you front stoop of anything that might be a trip hazard and make sure steps are well lit.
• Always trick or treat in neighborhoods you know and immediately toss any unwrapped candy.
• Enjoy the frights, but be careful of those who have a lower "scare threshold."

Have a spooky, but safe, Halloween.