Halloween can be a fun time of the year, but it can also be dangerous if safety precautions aren't taken.

The following tips are from the Indiana State Police.

When buying a costume, check that it is flame-retardant so children aren't in danger near burning jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards. Costumes should be kept short to prevent tripping, falls and other "bumps in the night."

Instead of masks, try make-up. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and obstruct a child's vision. Children should wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes. If they do wear masks, make sure the eyeholes in the mask are wide enough and the mask fits properly. Don't wear a mask that is too loose.

Trick-or-treaters always should be in groups so they aren't a tempting target for real-life goblins. Parents should accompany young children.

Older children should trick-or-treat with friends. A safe route should be mapped out so parents know where they'll be and they should stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.

If possible, children should trick-or-treat while it's still light out. If it's dark, they should carry a flashlight and pick well-lighted streets.

Children should be taught never to enter the houses or vehicles of strangers.

Cross streets at crosswalks and intersections. Never step into the street without looking to see if a vehicle is coming.

Once the children finish their trick-or-treating, they should not eat any of their treats until they get home. Check out all the treats at home in a well-lighted place. They should eat only unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers.

Inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious. Remind children not to eat everything at once.

Anyone who plans to welcome trick-or-treaters at their residence should leave a porch light on. Make certain sidewalks are clear of hazards which might trip trick-or-treaters. Keep pets tied up or inside.

To help prevent vandalism at Halloween time, keep outside lights on. Curtains and blinds should be kept open so suspicious activity around one's home can be observed. All vehicles parked outside should be kept locked and secured.

Any problems with vandals or prowlers should be reportedly immediately to the police. Exercise caution and avoid taking the law into your own hands.

An alternative to trick-or-treating is organizing a Halloween costume party with treats, games, contests, music, scary stories and more. Schools, fire departments, libraries or civic groups also may organize community "haunted houses" or other Halloween festivities for families. [[In-content Ad]]