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Well it's that time of year again …  all of the little ghosts, goblins, and monsters will be out in full force collecting treats from their neighbors.  As always, these little ones are excited for Halloween and all the rewards that come with it…..getting home and counting all the loot is the best part!  We’ve compiled a list of safety guidelines to help keep you and your little ones safe this Halloween.  Please take the time to read them over and talk with your children!  Then head on out there Wednesday night and have a great time!

For the Parents and Adults:

• Always use common sense.
  

• Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is. You should know where they're going.
  

• Take a cellular phone with you if possible.
  

• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home. 
  

• Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
  

• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult. 
  

• If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark. 
  

• You should wear a watch and carry a flashlight.
  

• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything. 
  

• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.
  

• If you are driving the then go SLOW, SLOW, SLOW all evening.

For the Children:

• Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult.
  

• Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least 2 buddies go with you. 
  

• If you go without your parents stay in familiar neighborhoods.
  

• Visit only houses where the lights are on. 
  

• Approach only houses that are lit. 
  

• Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.
  

• Carry a flashlight.
  

• Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
  

• Walk, Do not run.
  

• Walk on sidewalks and driveways. (If no sidewalk) walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
  

• Cross the street at the corner or in a crosswalk.
  

• Obey traffic signals.
  

• Don't cut across yards or driveways.
  

• Wait until you get home and your parents check your candy before you eat it.
  

• Be very cautious of strangers.
  

• Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.
  

• Be sure and say thank you for your treats.
  

• Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns.
  

• Make sure that you are wearing a flame retardant costume.
  

• Make sure your costume doesn't drag on the ground.
  Shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume) 
  

• Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house. 
  

• Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props. 
  Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape. 

For homeowners and decorators:

• Make sure that your doorway and yard are well lit and clear of tripping hazards: ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots. 
  

• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater. 
  

• Battery powered jack o'lantern candles are preferable to a real flame. 
  

• If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
  

• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.
  

• Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later. 
  

• Non-food treats make great give-aways too: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins.

  Special thanks to Halloweenmagazine.com and the Los Angeles Fire Department.