First call really does care about your survival this halloween, but more important is our reputation for social responsibility

10. Putting reflective tape on your costume is a good idea. It’s difficult for cars to see trick-or-treaters at night. Glow-in-the-dark tape or flashlights are good substitutes. Avoid strobe lights though - they are annoying.

9. Dogs can have lethal tails, wagging all over the place. Don’t leave any lit candles or Jack-O-Lanterns where they could be knocked over by a swinging tail or even a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire but they could also catch fire themselves.

8. Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Or stabbed with.

7. If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress. You may personally love to dress in costume, but then again, you aren’t a dog or a cat. (Even if that’s you’re costume... but nice try.)

6. Watch out for razor blades in your apples. Although these nutritious snacks may seem harmless, the addition of razor blades can result in a deadly combination. Gun powder in pixie sticks is also a problem.

5. As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them in any amount.

4. If you put a mask of some sort on your animal, make sure that the eye holes are big enough for them to see peripherally. Animals depend on their vision to let them see things and even the nicest dog can get snippy if he can’t see what’s around him. In fact, masks really aren’t a good idea.

3. Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make it fire proof, and the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision. A helmet never hurts, too. And shin pads.

2. If using dry ice in a punch bowl, make sure that the person serving keeps any dry ice chips out of drinks! It can cause severe injury if ingested. Actually, maybe you should just use normal ice.

1. If you work in a pet store, remember that this is the time of year that can be deadly for black cats. Some sick people who play at being what they’ll call a Satanist will buy them to “sacrifice.” If you can, don’t take any black cats or sell them during October. (But November should be fine.)

All items were taken from the official Halloween Safety Guide at www.halloween-safety.com.