As much as we fret that the preferred costume this Halloween will either feature orange makeup and long red ties or tailored women’s pantsuits in neutral tones, we have to express our fondness for the child-oriented, secular holiday with its playful nature. When else, particularly in these politically fraught times, are we encouraged to knock on the doors of neighbors essentially requesting a handout that is usually granted? OK, OK, not every dentist is happy about all the candy tossed around but, by and large, this is a fun night to be a child, parent, guardian or even just the person handing out the treats.

Still, like the oral hygiene crowd, we do feel compelled to throw in a few precautions. Children need to have a safe Halloween and reasonable steps ought to be taken to assure exactly that result. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are roughly 3,000 Halloween-related injuries each year. The most common serious injury isn’t the razor-in-the-candy threat you’ve heard about for decades (although candy should always be inspected for tampering) but pedestrians getting hit by cars. On the less serious injury side, let’s be careful when we are carving jack-o’-lanterns with knives, got it?

So here are the recommendations for a safe holiday: Make sure costumes are flame resistant and makeup is non-toxic; attach reflective tape to young trick-or-treaters and/or have them use glow sticks and flashlights; have an adult accompany youngsters on the prowl; and with older kids agree to a specific plan or route and timetable. Trick-or-treaters should stay in well-lighted areas going to homes where you know the neighbors and ask them not to eat candy until it’s brought home and checked out. We would further caution drivers not to drink, to be on the lookout for kids, to reduce speeds and to be extra cautious around driveways and alleys as well as when driving at dusk.

As for adults, the CPSC recommends you put down the knife and use one of those seasonal pumpkin carving safety kits. Also, if you opt for a costume, get it properly fitted. Turns out falls from tripping over your own costume represent the second most common non-fatal Halloween-related injury after pumpkin carving. You’ve been warned. Also, brace yourself for those mini-Donald Trump and Kamala Harris kids. They mean well. Probably.