Pumpkins » If you haven't carved your jack'o'lantern already, don't wait any longer. Let little ones draw the design and you carve for them; let them pull out the guts and push in the eyes, nose and mouth; use a battery-operated artificial light instead of a candle to light a carved pumpkin.

Costumes » Pick a costume that's not too complicated and easy to get in and out of; wear bright colors, if possible (or wear reflective strips on dark costumes) and use face paint instead of masks.

Trick or treaters » Carry a light stick or flashlight; walk on sidewalks and not in the street; trick or treat up one side of the street then down the other side, avoiding crossing the street as much as possible; keep an eye out for moving cars. When the door of a candy giver is opened, step back; remember to tell them "thank you."

Candy givers » Get into the spirit of the holiday and dress up (but not too scary); only give treats that are individually wrapped; Inspecting your loot » Have a grown-up go through your candy; discard any unwrapped candy; don't overload on candy, instead eat only a few pieces a week.

-Sources: Mr. NoNo, the Red Cross and Sacramento Bee