Halloween and trick-or-treating are all about great costumes, candy and fun, but this holiday can be dangerous if you don’t prepare ahead of time.

When it comes to choosing a costume, pick costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children while walking around neighborhoods— and they should never go into a stranger’s home.

Older kids who may be trick-or-treating without an adult should always travel in a group, carry a cellphone and be cautious when walking alongside streets.

Make sure trick-or-treaters are safe when visiting your home too. Remove anything that could cause them to trip or fall on your walkway or lawn.

Make sure the lights are on outside your house and light the walkway to your door, if possible. Keep family pets away from trick-or-treaters, even if they seem harmless to you.

Here are some tips for a safe trick or treating time:

Plan your route in advance

Inspect all candy before it’s consumed

You can never have too much light

Masks may look nice – but they can be dangerous

Everyone should wear comfortable shoes

Choose routes with sidewalks

Always stay in groups

Never enter a stranger’s home

Carry a cellphone

Limit trick-or-treating to your own neighborhood

CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT is a staff reporter for The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Crystal.Vandegrift@FarmvilleHerald.com.