Don't scare kids about Halloween safety

NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- A U.S. physician suggests Halloween can be a safe and happy occasion for all if parents take common sense precautions.

Dr. Meridith Sonnett, director of pediatric emergency services at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York, recommends limiting trick-or-treating to familiar neighbors. "It's important not to create too much fear in your children when you speak to them about Halloween safety," Sonnett says in a statement. "But it's also essential that they understand that precautions must be taken.

The doctor advises parents to remember:

--To accompany the children as they go trick-or-treating and to not allow them to eat candy until it has been taken home, examined and any unwrapped food items are thrown out.

--To make sure costumes are made of non-flammable material, are short enough so the wearers don't trip and are designed so vision is never blocked.

--To make sure the children are easy to spot because they are wearing both bright colors and reflectors and they are carrying flashlights.

--To never let a child enter a stranger's home or apartment.