Some of you may be shopping this weekend to put the final touches on costumes for the children in your lives.  In the midst of your creative explosion, don’t forget safety.

Before going out shopping for last minute accessories, make sure that you have one flashlight per child or adult that plans on trick-or-treating. You should also double-check to make sure that you have enough batteries. 

It’s also a good idea to pick up a roll or two of reflective tape.  Many Halloween costumes are dark and the reflective tape will help drivers see children going from house to house.  This is even more important in neighborhoods that lack sidewalks (like mine).  Scares from fake spiders and someone shouting "Boo" are fun.  Scares from near-misses with SUVs, not so much.

Make sure that whatever costume you’ve selected allows for clothes that will keep your little monster warm and dry in the late autumn weather. 

If your child hasn’t picked a mask yet, consider face makeup instead. Masks can severely limit peripheral vision and they are likely to slip a bit, limiting vision even more.  Makeup can create similar costuming effects while maximizing vision.

Trick-or-treaters should always be accompanied by adults.  Six and under should have 1 adult to every 2 kids — one on each hand.  Older children should be fine with 1 adult for every 4 kids.  An older teen can help out, but there should be at least one older adult.  Of course, you should know the neighborhood where you are trick-or-treating and only stop at houses that have their lights on.

I hope that these hints will help you and yours have a safely scary Halloween.