Keep trick-or-treating fun and safe

This Halloween we hope any goblins that come to visit are benign. To keep the holiday fun but safe for all, here are some tips for both trick-or-treaters and their hosts:
For trick-or-treaters:

• Make sure a parent or responsible adult accompanies children under 12. Direct older children to always stay in a group.
• Check out costumes to make sure they are not so long that children will trip over them. Make sure any accessory -- a sword, cane, or stick, for example -- is not sharp or too long. Better still, leave these objects at home; they can easily cause injuries, especially eye injuries which are common on Halloween. More costume-safety tips are available here.
• Pin a piece of paper with the child’s name, address, and phone number inside a pocket in case the trick-or-treater gets lost or separated from the group.
• Give children a cell phone -- and show them how to use it -- in case of emergency.  (Some newer cell phones are designed specifically for kids; we reviewed one model earlier this year).
• Visit houses or apartments that are well-lit; and, of course, never enter a stranger’s home.

For homeowners:

• Clear porches and front yards of garden hoses, lawn decorations or anything a child could trip over.
• Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.
• Check outdoor lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Monitor your outlets; don't overload them with holiday lights or special effects and make sure exit doors are not be blocked with decorations.
• Place jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.