Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

All dressed up:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting. Under parents' supervision, children ages 5 to 10 can join in the fun.
• Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
• Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Plan and review with your children the route which is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when revelers should return home.

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to portion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Dr. Larrabee is Associate Director of Family and Community Medicine at the Walter L. Aument Family Health Center, 317 S. Chestnut St., Quarryville.