Before dark is the best time for trick-or-treating, especially for very young children, who should always be accompanied by an adult. For older children, set a curfew-9:00 p.m. is reasonable-and be firm about it.

Alert your children to watch for the tricks in their treats. Before they go out, make sure they know not to eat anything until they get home and you check it out.

Throw away anything that is unwrapped, rewrapped, or has a torn wrapper. Check wrappers for small holes to be sure that nothing has been injected through them. Cut fruit open and inspect carefully for needles, etc.

If your child gets sick, try to find out exactly what he or she ate and where it came from. Call your doctor immediately, or one of the hospital emergency rooms.

Drivers, be alert for children darting into the street (be prepared to give trick-or-treaters the right of way).

Keep pets indoors.

Keep your house illuminated.

Be sure walkways and stairs are free of obstructions.

Don't leave lighted pumpkins in an area where a child's costume could be ignited.

Greet trick-or-treaters at the door.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!