As neighborhoods are sure to be full of little ghosts and goblins tonight, make sure to take safety precautions to keep trick or treating from becoming a nightmare.

If you’re passing out candy at home consider the following tips from NetSmartz:

* Do not invite trick-or-treating children into your home, especially those that are unattended.

* If you own pets, consider placing them in a separate room in order to eliminate any unwanted interaction. This will lessen the stress on your pets, as well.

* If you plan to play tricks, as well as give treats, display clear warning signs. Although older children may find these tricks fun, younger children may not appreciate the skeleton that suddenly pops out at them.

* Make sure the path from the sidewalk to your house is clear of debris, decorations and other tripping hazards.

* Reduce safety hazards for trick-or-treaters by using battery-operated lights instead of flames in jack-o-lanterns.

* Turn on a porch light, as well as lights inside your home, to indicate that you are passing out treats.

If you plan on trick or treating:

* Never send younger children out alone.

* Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.

* Don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.

* Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.

* Follow basic pedestrian safety rules when walking from house to house.

* Follow a planned route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.

* Make sure children know their phone number and address in case of separation.

* Teach children to say, “No!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat or leave with them.

For more information about Halloween safety, visit www.NetSmartz.org