Dr. Lewis First (Provided photo)

It seems like only last year that I was teaching you a few safety tricks so that Halloween could be a treat for you and your children.

Well, here we are a year later, and many of you are asking me for a few more hints so that Halloween is not a safety nightmare for anyone.

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If you are a trick-or-treater, remember to see and be seen.

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– Avoid masks which can block your vision and replace them with non-toxic hypoallergenic face paint or make-up.

– Wear bright colored non-baggy flame-resistant costumes with reflective tape.

– Carry a flashlight, stay on the sidewalk, and approach only houses that are lit in the neighborhood with which you are familiar.

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If you are the parent of a trick-or-treater, make sure your children are well fed before they go out.

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– Inspect what food they bring home before they want to eat it.

– This is especially important if they have a food allergy. Check and make sure the allergic ingredient is not in a treat before they eat it.

– My motto in this case is, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

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Accompany children under 10. Make sure older children are traveling in groups.

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– Know the route your child plans to take.

– Give them a specific time to be home.

– Remember that the smaller the trick-or-treat bag, the shorter the distance traveled.

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If your child has sensory issues, they can still go trick-or-treating and be included in the festivities if they want to be.

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– Your child’s health care professional or organizations like Green Mountain Self Advocates can help create an inclusive environment so that all children who want to enjoy trick-or-treating can do so.

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If you are a home that will be giving out treats, make sure your yard is clear of debris.

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– Remove hoses, wet leaves, or flowerpots that can trip a child.

– Keep lit pumpkins far out of the way of trick-or-treaters.

– Rather than using a candle in a pumpkin, which can be a fire hazard, consider using a glow stick. This is a safer way to go and can do just as good a job lighting up that pumpkin.

– You might also have treats such as glow sticks or stickers for children who tell you they are allergic to a possible treat you are giving out.

– Hopefully, tips like these will scare away any concerns you might have when it comes to making sure your Halloween is not frightening, but a safe holiday for all involved.

Lewis First, MD, is Chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. You can also Catch “First with Kids” weekly on WOKO 98.9FM and NBC5.