With Halloween right around the corner, the Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center at Winthrop-University Hospital offers the following tips to help your child have a safe holiday:

TRICK-OR-TREAT

SAFETY:

* Do not allow children to trick or treat alone. Young children should travel with an adult and older children should travel in groups.

* Remind children to stay within their neighborhood and visit only homes they know.

* Trick or treating should be done in the daylight and always bring a flashlight.

* Instruct children to walk on sidewalks, cross streets only at corners and watch for traffic.

* Children should be warned never to enter a stranger's house.

COSTUME SAFETY:

* Buy costumes, wigs and accessories that are flame resistant.

* Add reflective tapes to front, sides and back of costumes or have children carry glow sticks.

* To prevent tripping, make sure that costumes are not too long.

* Make sure face masks are secure and that children can see and breathe well through them.

* Make sure hats are secure and do not block their view.

* Make sure that shoes are well-fitted and sturdy to prevent falls.

* Do not allow children to wear decorative contact lenses without seeking the advice of an eye care expert first.

* Be aware that costumes might frighten pets.

* Replace hard plastic or wooden swords, knives and other props with ones that are soft and flexible.

* If face paint is used, make sure it is hypoallergenic, non-toxic and easy to remove.

CANDY SAFETY:

* Make sure children do not trick or treat on an empty stomach.

* Only give and accept commercially wrapped candy.

* Parents, try to ration treats for the days after Halloween.

* Instruct children that all treats should be taken home and examined before eating.

* Be sure to report suspicious treats to the local police.

ADULT PARTY SAFETY:

* Try to use artificial lights instead of candles.

* Do not drink and drive, or allow someone to drink and drive, or get in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking.

Please contact the Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center at (800) 222-1222 or (516) 663-2650 for poisoning emergencies. For more poison prevention information, log onto www.lirpdic.org.