Halloween provides children the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and to live their fantasy. Ghost or gorilla, gladiator or Greek goddess, children express themselves in myriad ways on All Hallows Eve.

Beyond the joys of assuming an alter ego or playing the role of an admired real or fictional figure, Halloween can be riddled with pitfalls and dangers. According to Carey S. Goltzman, MD, FAAP, Chief of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Children's and Women's Physicians of Westchester, smart preparation, careful supervision and common sense should all be part of the Halloween celebration. Whether a child is five or fifteen, protective and preventive measures still need to be taken to ensure a safe Halloween experience.

Years ago it was Halloween's booty that was scrutinized for safety. “But these aren't the injuries that generally occur,” Dr. Goltzman explains. “Today it's usually burns from flammable costumes, or collisions with motor vehicles or bicycles while Trick or Treating and while walking on a poorly lit street.” Dr. Goltzman recommends applying reflective tape to a costume to allow for greater visibility by motorists. “Since Halloween occurs at the end of October it gets quite dark early, just when children head out in their costumes,” he says. Using reflective tape or bringing a flashlight can help considerably. “The idea is to make children more obvious to motorists,” he says.

When outfitting a child for Halloween activities, Dr. Goltzman recommends donning a costume that fits well, and one that's appropriate to the child's age. Oversized outfits can trip up a child, he says, and masks or wigs that cover too much of the face can block a child's line of vision. Children should also jettison the idea of carrying swords, sticks, batons or any extraneous accoutrement that can injure them or another child.

Homeowners also need to be aware that children will be visiting their home, and should prepare their property accordingly, Dr. Goltzman explains. This means keeping driveways and walkways dry and clean of debris. Wet leaves should also be removed to prevent slipping. Unrestrained animals should also be kept indoors to forestall any mishaps.

“One of the biggest and best preventative measures that parents can take is to accompany their children,” Dr. Goltzman says. “Children need to be well supervised.” And, he adds, children ought not supervise other children. “A 12-year-old should not be in charge of a group of six-year-olds,” he insists. “That is not appropriate supervision”

Dr. Goltzman also recommends that children let parents know exactly where they will be on Halloween, and for how long. Children should also have a cell phone with them to call parents in case they are needed.

When children return from their outing, parents should scrutinize their bounty of treats. “Parents should go through the bag to make sure there is nothing spoiled, unwrapped, dangerous or suspicious,” Dr. Goltzman recommends. And, after children feast on their booty, he says it's important that children eat healthy meals to counteract the infusion of sugar from the plethora of treats consumed.

Dr. Goltzman also recommends that those providing treats for children rethink their offerings and consider dispensing healthier snacks in place of high-sugar treats. A piece of fruit, a granola bar or even a bag of pretzels are all preferable to calorie- and sugar-laden candy bars.

Finally, Dr. Goltzman says, when it comes to suiting up for Halloween, sometimes taking the simple route is the best route. Face-painting a few whiskers on a child can go a long way toward bringing out the inner cat in a child, he says. “Children are very inventive and have great imagination,” Dr. Goltzman states. “It takes very little to let children feel that they are something or someone else. To keep it safe, keep it simple.”