Halloween can be a dangerous time of year and not because of the ghosts and haunted houses. It is easy to get distracted by costumes and decorations, so much so that we forget about trick-or-treat safety. This year the police and first responders have issued a reminder for parents to make safety a priority for their loved ones.

Here are a few ways you can make sure Halloween is a joyful mix of candies, costumes, and cautious safety by identifying and preventing these potential costume and candy hazards:

1. Avoid masks that limit sight
If your mask does not let you see very well, you should not wear it. You could expose yourself to bodily harm by walking into things. Without a clear line of sight, you might pose a danger to others especially if you are riding or driving. Go for costumes that leave your line of sight unobstructed. You can also try wearing make-up or hats rather than items that go over the eyes.

2. Avoid dark costumes for nighttime visibility
When trick or treating, make sure to choose brightly colored costumes for your child in order to increase visibility. Check the label at the back or side to make sure that the costume is flame resistant. If possible, add strips of reflective material or strips so you stand out more in the dark.

3. Avoid entering stranger’s homes
This one is just common sense for trick or treaters. Walking into the home of someone you do not know to accept candy is ill-advised and puts you at risk. Only take candy from the front porch and leave as soon as you’ve said your goodbyes and thank yous.

4. Avoid darting into traffic or between cars
Trick or treating can be really exciting. You may want to get to as many houses as you can candy. However, avoid darting through traffic or jumping onto the road between cars where visibility is low for drivers. This puts you at risk of getting hit by a car. If your costume is not visible, you are twice as likely to get struck by a driver who couldn’t see you in the dark

5. Avoid choking hazards
Avoid candies that are choking hazards for wee kids. That means any candy you hand out shouldn’t be too small. Also candy with sticks attached (i.e. suckers) can pose a choking hazard for smaller children.

6. Avoid treating candy with potential food allergens
With a large group of children coming to your door or party, a few are likely to suffer from food allergies (i.e, milk and nuts). If your candy contains allergens, be sure to label it at parties or ask before handing out the candy to every child.

7. Let a parent inspect candy before eating
When children return home from trick or treating, go through their haul and show them know how to identify tampered candy. Anything that is not properly wrapped, looks discolored, or appears homemade or unusual should be discarded and not eaten. Trick or treat safety is crucial to ensure kids get home and enjoy their candy safely. Parents should warn small children not to consume any candy until it is inspected at home. To make sure they don’t nibble while trick or treating, make them a snack before they go out. After the fun, store the candy away responsibly and throw away anything that looks suspicious to you. For overall good health, regulate family candy intake by only taking a few each day.