Halloween is just a week away.  That's plenty of time to make some safety preparations:

• If you have kids who will be trick or treating, check your weather forecast to make sure that they will be warm enough. Consider putting a few layers of fleece or a turtle neck 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 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 a pet outside unless you are right there — I know, pets need potty breaks after dark.
• 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."
• Be cautious about answering your door if you live alone. You may want to consider turning out your light earlier in the evening if you start to feel unsafe.
• It's probably not wise to eat EVERYTHING in your treat bag (or the leftovers in the candy bowl) at once. Maybe you could divide it up to eat over several days. Your teeth and tummy will thank you.

Have a spooky, but safe, Hallloween.