Halloween is just around the corner, and that means ghosts and ghouls will take to the neighborhood in search of sweet trick-or-treats. However, before you choose a costume and dive into your Halloween candy, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you and your loved ones have a fun and sweet holiday:

1. Don’t eat candy before checking it
Before you and your family devour the candies you’ve collected, don’t forget to double check what you’re eating. Look for wrappers that have been partially opened, or items past their due date. If anything looks suspicious, or like it has been tampered with, throw it away.

2. Avoid dark costumes to stay visible at night
On Halloween, your neighborhood will be busier, with kids frequently crossing the street. If possible, avoid wearing dark clothing so that moving cars are able to easily see you. This is even more important in dimly lit neighborhoods. If you or someone else does wear a dark costume, carry a flashlight to stay visible. You also might consider making your costume a glow-in-the-dark outfit for a fun way to add visibility.

3. Avoid masks or wigs that restrict breathing or visibility
Know that certain Halloween costumes and costume accessories could impact your vision and breathing. If you’re wearing a mask while trick-or-treating or at a crowded Halloween party, you could have a hard time breathing. Stick to lightweight and well-ventilated outfits to keep yourself comfortable.

4. Avoid candies that are choking hazards for young kids
Pay attention to government recommendations on what’s suitable for your kids or any other children in your life. This is especially important for the littles kids in your bunch. Some candies might have toys or plastic pieces that are choking hazards. Before giving candy to your small kids, check for anything they might choke on.

5. Avoid long costumes that could cause falls
Whether you’ll be walking on smooth sidewalks or rougher ground while trick-or-treating, try to stay away from wearing long costumes that drag on the ground. This could be long skirts or pants, or even certain shoes that might cause you to trip. If you are choosing a costume for a child, pay extra attention to this.

6. Avoid giving out candy with potential allergens
Giving out food with potential allergens can cause unintentional harm to kids with allergies. Consider adding a sign at your door to direct trick-or-treaters to inform you of their food allergies. Or simply avoid handing out candy with common allergens such as peanuts.