Fall is the time of year for ghosties and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night. Sometimes those bumps are intended to be scary. Other times they are unintentional and terribly serious. Whether your children are out trick or treating or helping with the traditional fall garage cleaning, there are dangers lurking.

According to Prevent Blindness America, emergency room statistics indicate that a child is more likely to be injured on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

A Word To The Parents

No child should trick-or-treat alone.

Plan and discuss the intended route. Stay in familiar areas.

Accompany children under twelve on their rounds.

When crossing the street with a child under ten years of age, always hold the child's hand.

Cars pose the biggest threat to children after dark. To be seen, dress children in light colors, or sew or tape on reflectors or reflective tape to make them more visible.

Costumes should be loose and comfortable, but not baggy or long enough to cause falls or to catch fire. No high heels.

Purchase only costumes, wigs, and props labeled as flame resistant. Note, however, that these items may still burn.

Capes and other costume accessories that might pose a strangulation hazard should be fastened with Velcro rather than fabric ties.

Avoid costumes with wigs, floppy hats, or eye patches, which block vision. Beards should be fastened so they do not hamper the child's vision or breathing.

Wear makeup (nontoxic and FDA approved) instead of masks, which block vision. Follow instructions to remove the makeup.

Do not put makeup near a child's eyes, and do not let a child sleep with makeup.

Dab the makeup on a child's arms for a couple of days before Halloween to be sure they are not allergic to the makeup.

Avoid pointed props such as spears, swords, or wands that could endanger children's eyes.

For young children, pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address, and phone number inside a pocket, in case the child gets separated from the group.

Inspect the candy before allowing a child to eat the treats.

For children younger than six years of age, eliminate choking hazards, such as hard candy, jelly beans, or peanuts. Do not let a child stuff his mouth.

Some Reminders Before They Go

Establish a return time.

Obey all traffic signals.

Never dart out between parked cars or hidden corners such as alleys.

Walk, do not run, from house to house.

Stay off the lawns. Unseen objects or uneven terrain could trip them.

Carry a flashlight or light stick so they can be seen.

For better visibility, wear masks on top of their heads between trick-or-treat locations.

Refuse to enter strange homes or apartments.

Hosting Trick-Or-Treaters

Around your home, remove any items children could trip over. Turn your outside lights on.

Do not put candles in pumpkins. Use a flashlight for illumination.

Secure all pets, especially dogs.

Do not give out choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, or hard candy.