Oct. 15, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Every Halloween, children envision ghosts, goblins, and the possibility of amassing a treasure trove of candy. On the other hand, concerned parents worry about their children's safety during this yearly candy-gathering ritual.

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"Halloween is a cherished tradition, but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful," says Allstate Field Vice President Thomas Clarkson. "There's no real 'trick' to making Halloween a treat for the entire family. Both children and adults need to think about safety on this annual day of make-believe."

The following tips from the Allstate Insurance Company and the National Safety Council offer some excellent guidelines for ensuring that children have a fun and SAFE Halloween:

--  Ensure children under age 12 are supervised by an adult or older
responsible youth. Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters
intend to follow.
--  Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along an
established route.
--  Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that
are well lit, never enter a stranger's home and establish a return time.
--  Drivers should watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
--  Dress children only in fire-retardant costumes.
--  Keep costumes hemmed so they don't cause children to trip. Falls are the
leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.
--  Decorate Halloween costumes with light-colored and light-reflecting
material if kids will be out after dark.
--  Use facial make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's
vision.

--  Give children an early meal before sending them trick-or-treating. Tell
children not to eat any treat until they return home and - when in
doubt, throw it out

Memories of Halloween trick-or-treating last for years after the candy is gone. Make it a safe holiday by looking out for young participants taking part in one of our oldest annual traditions.

SOURCE Allstate