Red Cross offers tips to families to make Halloween a safe holiday.

With a few safety tips, everyone can have a frightfully safe time this Halloween.

Costume SavvyWhether your child wants to be a ghost, a princess or a superhero, you can help keep it safe by following some costume advice.
· Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
· Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
· Use flame-resistant costumes.
· Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

Navigating the Neighborhood
To maximize safety—and your candy haul!—plan your route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If your children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they make their way around the neighborhood. Other safety tips to follow as you go from house to house:
· Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
· Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
· Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
· Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
· Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.

And remember, it’s not only vampires and monsters you have to look out for. Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

Trick or Treat!
If you’re manning the candy giveaway at your house, you can make sure it’s a fun night for all by doing the following:
Make sure your outdoor lights are on.
· Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
· Clear your porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
· Restrain your pets.
· Use a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

For more advice on having a safe and fun Halloween, visit http://www.redcrossillinois.org/halloween-safety.