With Halloween less than a week away, communities throughout our region are getting ready to dress their kids up like monsters and super heroes. This is always a great time of year. Fires burning, children playing outdoors, and leaves falling are all signs of another beautiful autumn in western Pennsylvania. As you get ready for upcoming trick-or-treaters, or you're busy making a costume for your own little one, there are some safety precautions that the attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. would like you to remember.

Try to wear bright colors. Even the scariest costumes can be livened up with some color. Wearing bright colors and reflective tags is not only a good way to keep an eye on your kids, but it also makes it easier for drivers to spot your children if they are crossing the street or unexpectedly run out into the middle of the road. And if you yourself will be on the road that night, be sure to travel at least 10-15 miles below the speed limit in areas where kids will be trick-or-treating.

Always have a plan. If you are following your children from house to house, or if they're old enough to go out on their own, be sure they have a plan if they get separated from you or from the group. One great idea is to wear something your child will recognize so they can pick you out of the many other parents walking around. Another tip is to set up designate points throughout your neighborhood that can serve as rest stops or meeting locations.

Consider the weather. This Halloween looks to be a chilly one, so be sure your kids are wrapped up regardless of their costume. Aside from staying warm, however, it is important to consider wet leaves, rain, and even possible snow when you are coming up with a Halloween costume. With many children running around in the dark of night, eating sugar until their heart is content, it is important to be sure they are wearing safe footwear, masks that allow for good sightlines, and even gloves to keep their hands warms and clean.

Patty Pauline of Safe Kids Erie says that it is also essential to be sure that your kids' costumes are flame retardant, and that they know the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" procedure just in case a piece of their costume does catch fire. It helps to bring a flashlight to illuminate walkways and dark streets as well.

One final safety tip is to consider what type of bag your kids will be carrying around to collect their candy. The days of old pillow sacks are over now that the attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. have decided to graciously donate "Dallas Helps Safe Kids Erie" backpacks. Wearing one of these reflective green "Dallas Helps" backpacks will free up your kids' hands in case of a trip-and-fall, and will also keep the candy away from their reach as they're walking along, allowing you more time to inspect it before they eat it.

Have fun and be safe–it's that easy. Happy Halloween, everyone, from all of your friends at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. and Erie Safe Kids.