Editorial
Don't be tricked, enjoy your treats

In less than a week many residents will be donning ghoulish gear for a night of frightening festivities and haunted hijinks. But whether the night brings out the pumpkin, pirate or pop idol in you, it's important to think smart and celebrate safely so that everyone has a happy holiday.

When trick-or-treating, it's essential to take the obvious safety precautions. The Massachusetts State Fire Marshall recommends that children wear brightly colored costumes or add reflective tape to their outfits and to carry a flashlight. Costumes shouldn't have trailing material long enough to cause falls and pointed objects such as swords and pitch forks should be made of soft material. Plus, not all masks fit the same, so if your child is wearing one, make sure he or she can see clearly through the eyeholes.

It's important to keep in mind that a sidewalk is a trick-or-treater's best friend. Use them often, use them wisely. Don't be a foolish ghoul and dart out between parked cars or into oncoming traffic. All witches and warlocks should fly their brooms along one side of the street at a time, no crisscrossing.

Also, make sure to wear weather appropriate clothing. Though it looks like cool, sunny weather is in store for all happy-go-lucky haunters, it's best to keep a warm jacket or sweatshirt handy and maybe even a pair of gloves - it could mean the difference between traveling with a bunch of cold corpses or the grateful dead.

And guardians, check a child's goodie bag before they dig in, who knows what could fall into the wrong hands in the light of the moon. Plus, you can snag a Three Musketeers in the process.

Remember too, that not everyone can have the mysterious mansion at 1313 Mockingbird Lane (remember "The MMunsters"?) but a yard or porch can be spookified easily and safely by using flashlights and decorative lights instead of a candles and flames. And be kind to the creatures of the night and make sure your driveways and walkways are welllit with a clear path to your door.

By following just these simple safety tips, everyone can enjoy a night of treats, without the tricks.