Halloween is a fun time for kids, but for parents, it can be a time of concern for children's safety. To make Halloween a treat for all kids, follow these safety tips:

• Make sure that costumes are flame-retardant so little kids aren't in danger near any open flames or other fire hazards.
  Keep the Halloween costumes short enough to prevent tripping or falling.
  Instead of wearing a mask, try make-up instead. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and, more importantly, they can obstruct a child's vision - a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.
  Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.
  Trick-or-treaters always should be in groups so they aren't bothered by older kids or adults. Parents should accompany young children.
  Make sure older kids trick-or-treat with friends. Together, map out a safe route so parents know where they'll be. Tell them to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
  If it's dark when the kids start to trick-or-treat, make sure someone has a flashlight and pick well-lighted streets.
  Make sure kids know not to enter strange houses or strangers' cars, and not to stop and talk to strangers on the street.
  Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home where the parents can check all treats in a well- lighted place. Eat only unopened candies and other treats that are in their original wrappers. Parents should inspect all fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious.
  Parents and kids may want to consider having a Halloween costume party to avoid "Trick or Treating" troubles.