With Halloween around the corner, now is a great time for parents to begin to review some safety tips with their children. It's easy for kids to get swept up in all of the excitement of Halloween but they should always remember to make safety their highest priority!!!

#1. Never trick or treat at unfamiliar houses. Taking candy from complete strangers is NEVER a good idea, weather it's October 31st, or any other day of the year. Be safe and make you're your kids trick or treat at houses of people who you personally know and approve of. Reiterate to younger children how it is important to never take candy from strangers, even if it is offered to them.

#2. Do not let children trick or treat alone. A groups with several adults tagging along is always the best policy. It's safer for your kids and it can be fun for you, too!

#3. Check candy before it's eaten. It's always a good idea to go through the Halloween candy. Never eat anything that is unwrapped or looks questionable. When in doubt, throw it out!!! If your child is devastated at the prospect of discarding candy, allow him or her to "trade it in" for candy that you provide, that you know is safe. Sometimes, this can make the process much easier.

#4. Do not let young children trick or treat with older children when no adult is present. Some parents think it is acceptable for older children to trick-or-treat in a group. They should not, however, allow their little ones to tag along without an adult's supervision. Older children become distracted and leaving younger children in their care is not advisable.

#5. Remember to tell your children not to go into any strangers' homes. Sometimes, when trick or treating, people will welcome your children into their homes and ask them to do something to earn their treats. If they don't know the person well, they should NOT go into a stranger's home, under any circumstances.

#6. Instruct your children to be aware of their surroundings. They should carry flashlights and stay out of poorly lit areas.

#7. Very often on Halloween some churches and community groups will sponsor "haunted houses" for children. These are usually a safe way to let your kids get in on some of the fun, while keeping them out of danger at the same time. Usually, there are games for children and prizes are given for the best costumes. These events can be very enjoyable so encourage your children to participate.

#8. Children should be advised not to offer too much information if they are being questioned, while trick or treating. A young child who is too trusting can give away her first and last name and address all too quickly. Imagine if this information got into the hands of a child predator. Later, the child could be fooled by the person, who knows her name and address. That person could pose as a "friend of mommy or daddy" and a vulnerable child would be in a lot of danger.

#9. Check in times are always a good idea with kids. It is important that you establish what time your children are expected home for the night, as well as any check in times that you might want to arrange during their trick or treating time. Again, we at the ChildSafe Network strongly encourage you to accompany your children when they are trick or treating, no matter what age they are.

#10. Be cautious about costumes. Make sure kids can move around properly, and can walk quickly or even run. It is important that they can see, as well. Accidents happen because children who are wearing masks cannot see their surroundings. Remember to put safety first and everything else will fall into place!