Halloween can be a very fun evening for children and adults , but it needs to be done safely. The sobering statistics are that children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween then any other day of the year.

Safe trick or treating tips:

1. An adult should go with any child below the age of 12. Above the age of 12 they must go out with someone else or preferably a group. They should also have a cell phone to advise where they are at, if there is a problem or if they are running late. No trick or treating by yourself.

2. Caution them about crossing streets and watching for cars. This may have to be repeated since the excitement of the evening can cause them to forget your guidance.

3. Make sure they understand this is the only time they can be given candy by a stranger and never ever go in someone's house if invited in.

4. Children must see and be seen by drivers. Each child should have a flashlight. You can add reflective tape or add a blinking light or glow sticks to their costume to further enhance visibility.

5. Use non-toxic facepaint rather than masks which can obscure their vision when crossing streets.

6. Stay on streets that are well lit and never take shortcuts through parking lots, alleys, etc.

7. Only go to houses that have porch lights on and limit trick or treating to 5:30 pm to 9 pm.

8. Do not allow child to consume candy until home. Carefully check all candy to make sure it has not been opened or tampered with in any way. Throw away any homemade foods, like brownies, since you don't know the ingredients or sanitary conditions under which they were prepared. Only allow commercial candy to be kept.

9. Adults - if you are driving on Halloween you need to be four times more careful than normal because of children darting across the street to get to the next house. Better to stay home that evening if possible and enjoy the trick or treaters ringing your doorbell for candy.