Tonight, witches, ghosts, pirates and super heroes will take to the streets for trick or treat fun and the American Red Cross is offering tips to help everyone stay safe while enjoying Halloween festivities.

• Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.
  • Use face makeup instead of masks. Masks can make it hard to see.
  • Add reflective tape to costumes and/or trick-or-treat bags.
  • Wear light-colored clothing.
    

• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance and make sure adults know where their children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
• Pay attention to your surroundings & use caution around animals which may spook easily.
  
• Stay weather aware and adhere to weather warnings.
  
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at the corner.
  • Don’t cut across yards, use alleys or cross between parked cars.
  • Use extra caution if driving.

• Only visit homes that have a porch light on.
  
• Make sure a grown-up checks goodies before eating.
  • Remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
  • Discard any items with names that you are not familiar with.

For those welcoming trick-or-treaters to their homes, follow these safety steps:

• Light the area well so visitors can see.
• Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or super hero has a mishap. Use the Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smart phone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.