Here are some tips for trick-or-treating and for having a party at home, reprinted from Gannett News Services in October 2005:

AT HOME

· Eat dinner before trick-or-treating to avoid temptation to eat the candy while collecting it.

· Wait until you get home so your parents can check the candy before you eat it.

· Save only factory-wrapped treats. Throw anything away that is not wrapped, including fruit, homemade candy or baked goods.

· Never eat candy that has an open or ripped wrapper.

WHILE YOU'RE OUT

· Wear costumes that are easy to walk in, see in and be seen in.

· Add reflective tape to be better seen in the dark.

· Use makeup instead of a mask so you can see well.

· Choose comfortable shoes for walking.

· Make sure swords, knives and other costume accessories are made of soft, flexible material.

· Wear a flame-retardant costume.

· Don't play near lit jack-o'-lanterns.

· Trick or treat in early evening hours.

· Pick well-lighted streets.

· Walk on sidewalks and driveways, and facing oncoming traffic in areas without sidewalks. Don't cut across lawns.

· Cross streets at corners or in a crosswalk.

· Carry a flashlight.

· Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood and visit the homes of people you know.

· Never trick-or-treat alone. An adult should supervise younger children.

· Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.

· Take a cellular phone, if possible, in case you get separated from your group.

· Visit houses only where the lights are on.

· Be wary of strangers.

· Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.

· Be sure to say, "Thank you."

FOR ADULTS

· Pin a slip of paper with your young child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case he or she is separated from the group.

· Look out for choking hazards for small children. Remove gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys from the treat bag before you allow your youngster to have the treats.

· Save homemade treats for parties. For safety, give factory-wrapped candy to trick-or-treaters.

· Know your teen's Halloween plans or offer to supervise a party at your house. Emphasize that some pranks can damage property or hurt people.

· Drive slowly through neighborhoods and be watch for children in the streets.

· Clear your yard of hazards that might trip trick-or-treaters. Light the area well.

· Consider fire safety when decorating. Don't overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting, don't block exit doors and keep candles away from trick-or-treaters.