As it gets closer to closer to Halloween, many people especially children look forward to trick-or-treating for free candy. This can be a really fun experience whether you are a child or a parent. Even though trick-or-treating can be fun, there can also be some risks as well because you will never know who or what is out there on the streets at night. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a safe trick-or-treating experience for all:

• Get in on the fun. Accompany trick-or-treaters younger than age 12. Encourage older kids to trick or treat with people they know like their friends, parents or older siblings. Everyone should have their cell phone on them at all times.
• Set ground rules.If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, plan a familiar route and set a curfew. It is important to know where your child will be and when they will be arrive home.
• Walk Safely. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways when you are crossing and don’t be on your phone while you are walking. Always walk on sidewalks or paths and make sure you are aware of other cars and people. Walk and do not run while you are trick-or-treating. Be aware of and avoid open flames like candles in jack-o’-lanterns.
• Inspect treats before indulging. Feed your child before they head out so they don’t eat the candy before you can check it. Help them check all treats to make sure they’re sealed. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes in the packages and spoiled items. Anything that looks questionable should be discarded as well. If you have young children, be sure to set aside gum, peanuts, hard candies and other choking hazards. You should double-check food labels if your child has any food allergies as well.