Happy Halloween! Today we offer five things you need to know to have a safe holiday celebration.

1. If driving after dark, avoid neighborhood shortcuts, advises AAA of Southern New England. Stick to main roads where there is less chance that children are out trick-or-treating.

2. Check costumes for safety. Avoid masks that have potential to obstruct vision or costumes that are too long and may cause a child to trip.

3. Add an adult companion to any trick-or-treating group under the age of 12.

4. Review safety rules with your children before hitting the street, such as never crossing a street mid-block or between cars.

5. Know the evening plan. If you are not going to accompany your child for the trick-or-treat excursion, know the route your child will be taking. Get cell phone numbers of the adults who will be chaperoning. Know who will be with your child and what time to expect her/him back home.

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