Every Halloween, children dress up in their spookiest costumes and set out in search of the best candy. Wandering the neighborhood at night, going from house to house searching for the best treats is a great tradition. Sensible parents remind their children of the safety rules - stay in a group and check your candy before eating it. But those handing out the treats need to be cautious too. Here's some safety ideas for handing out treats.

Keep safe. Old folks and single women are commonly at home when it comes time for trick or treating. Now that trick or treat has become more popular with teenagers and young adults, there's often a tone of menance. Threats to toilet paper homes if the best candy isn't supplied are getting more common. If you do want to hand out treats switch on all the lights and lock all doors and windows. Have friends round to help you so you're not alone handing over the candy.

Choose your candy carefully. Check that all are wrapped individually and in one piece. Or pick a healthy option like trail mix or granola. And remember to buy plenty. You can give away any you have left. Give out the candy yourself rather than the children reaching into the bowl of candy. There's less chance of germs being passed around. And give out the same Halloween candy to each child. With only one choice its quicker for the parents to get round all the houses in the neighborhood.

Ask questions. Find out who the kids are and where they're from. If there's any trouble during their visit you'll know who to contact. And sometimes the promise of free candy can lead children farther away from home than they're supposed to go. A lost child is any parent's nightmare. If you can provide basic information on if they were at your home, when, and in which direction they headed, it'll be a big help.

Celebrating a spooky holiday with bags of Halloween candy and frolicking throughout the night is a long honored tradition enjoyed by many. Remember though, Halloween does not end with children. When you find yourself being a treat provider on this night, take an important look on what you are giving out, including your home, Halloween candy, and your observance. By actively protecting your home, your visitors, and your self, you can ensure a fun and safe Halloween night for everybody!