Halloween doesn't have to be scary(Halloween safety tips include making the costume in advance, making it large enough to wear over warm clothing, and if possible go trick or treating before dark) (Brief Article)

As adults begin to look toward Halloween, they need to consider everything from safe costumes for their children to what kinds of treats to hand out. Halloween traditionally is a holiday filled with fun, laughter, and treats. Parents understandably become apprehensive each year regarding the safety of this day.

To address parental concerns, Children's World Learning Centers, Golden, Colo. -- In conjunction with Barton Schmitt, a physician at The Children's Hospital in Denver and author of Your Child's Health -- has developed the following safety tips to guide parents in providing their offspring with a safe and happy Halloween:

* Avoid last-minute panic. Try to put a costume together well in advance.

* Make the costume large enough to wear over warm clothing and short enough that the youngster won't trip over it.

* Never wear masks that interfere with vision. Makeup or face paint may be used instead.

* Don't allow kids to carry sharp objects. Swords and knives should be made out of cardboard.

* Go trick or treating before dark, if possible.

* After dark, carry a flashlight and place reflective tape on the costume, or wear light-colored clothing.

* Guide youngsters toward homes of their friends and people they know, staying away from unfamiliar neighborhoods. Also try trick or treating at an organized event within the community, such as at a mall.

* After dark...