With Halloween less than a week away, neighborhoods will be crawling with young ghouls, ghosts, vampires, celebrities and all different kinds of costumed children. But as parents and children go door-to-door to trick-or-treat, there are a few safety precautions parents should be wary of this Halloween.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are a few guidelines to follow involving costume safety, safety while trick-or-treating and tips for motorists during the fall holiday.

For costume safety:

• Make sure all costumes and accessories are fire-resistant.

• Avoid masks that obstruct vision.

• Use reflective tape or glow sticks on bags and costumes if trick-or-treating after dark.

• Halloween makeup should be nontoxic.

• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

When out for treats:

• A responsible adult should accompany young children.

• Older children and parents should plan and review an acceptable route.

• Agree on a specific time to come home.

• Tell children to not eat treats until they return home.

• Teach children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.

Safety tips for motorists:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully

• At twilight and later, watch for children in dark clothing.

• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.