Homemade trick-or-treat treats are nice but unless you know the maker well, don't let your child eat such goodies. That's one bite-size piece of Halloween advice that parents will appreciate hearing from you-and there is more for you to pass along.

Sensible parental oversight of a young trick-or-treater can reduce the risk of a poisoning injury. The list of safety tips that you can offer during a routine visit includes these cautions:

Have a responsible adult accompany your child when going trick-or-treating

Allow your child to go only to homes of people known to you

Use non-toxic makeup to paint faces and body parts

Teach your child not to consume food items, drinks, or treats that are offered until an adult has thoroughly checked them

 Throw away spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious treats

 Make sure items that can cause choking, such as hard candy, are given only to a child of appropriate age

 Do not let your child give treats to pets; chocolates and raisins may be poisonous to animals

 Discard foil and cellophane candy wrappers properly to prevent your child (and pets) from choking on them

 Keep all medicines out of your child's reach, and teach your child that medicine is not candy 

Source: The New Jersey Poison Control Center