It seems like only last year that I shared — or should I say scared — some Halloween safety tips with parents.

This year, I’m unmasking a few safety tips directly to children to ensure their Halloween is far from frightening when it comes to staying safe. So, if you want your children to have more than a ghost of a chance of being safe on Halloween, please read or have them read (if they’re old enough) these suggestions with them.

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Costume considerations

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¯ Make sure you can see through your costume and be seen.

¯ Avoid masks or oversized hats if possible, which can reduce the ability to see. You can use non-allergic face paints instead.

¯ Put reflective tape or a glow-in-the-dark necklace on your costume so others can see you moving through the neighborhood at night.

¯ Avoid swords, and other props that can get in your way.

¯ Make sure to wear shoes that fit.

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Safe trick-or-treating

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¯ If you are over the age of 10 and going out without your parents, take at least two friends with you.

¯ Carry a flashlight, watch and a cell phone if possible. This way you can dial not just your parents but also 911 if there is an emergency.

¯ Walk, don’t run!

¯ Make sure your costumes don’t drag on the ground.

¯ Stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road so traffic can clearly see you out trick-or-treating. This is especially important after it gets dark.

¯ Work with your parents to plan your route in advance and how long you will be out, especially if they are not going with you.

¯ Only approach houses that are lit.

¯ Be very cautious of strangers and strange pets.

¯ Never go inside a house of someone you don’t know.

¯ Remember to say thanks when you do get a treat!

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Checking treats and promoting healthy habits

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Speaking of treats, remember to eat a great dinner before going out to fill you up.

This will help you avoid eating your treats until you and your parents have had a chance to inspect everything and make sure it’s safe to eat. This is especially important if you have a food allergy.

Get rid of anything that looks unwrapped or tampered with. And always remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Finally, if you are concerned about how healthy or non-healthy eating all that candy can be – consider trading your candy back to your parents in exchange for a special outing or activity you would love to do with them. Your parents can give you back the candy on special occasions in the months ahead.

Hopefully safety tips like these will not allow you to make any “boo-boos” and make Halloween a treat for you, your friends, and family to enjoy.

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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 98.9F.