Keeping kids safe during trick-or-treating

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Many kids are counting down the day to Halloween, so they can hit the streets for free candy & treats.

We talked to a local expert for some safety tips.

First, make sure kids are visible, with reflectors on their costumes or by carrying flashlights when it gets dark.

Also, make sure the costumes are flame-resistant.

Tripping is one of the most common injuries at Halloween, so be sure the costumes won't get tangled under their feet.

Kids under ten should go with an adult.

Elizabeth Gosch, Ph.D. of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine says most kids will start asking to go alone around age 10 or 11, and should be able to handle it.

However, she recommends parents of older kids should do a little advance work, to make sure the kids can handle the responsibility -

"They can walk the route with their child the day before. They can remind them of what to do if strangers approach them," says Dr. Gosch.

She adds, "They can remind them of the guidelines - on timing; they can also stress with them the importance of staying with their friends. They can also problem solve - what happens if they're feeling a little nervous or unsafe?"

While there's safety in numbers, sometimes kids can get into mischief as a group, so parents should know the other children going.

And she also recommends parents set a time limit for older kids, perhaps with check-in times.

She reassures nervous parents that trick-or-treating is safe fun.

"There's generally no more incidents at Halloween than any other time of the year," she notes.