Costumes, cameras, candy!

As Halloween approaches, kids, teens and adults are getting ready for trick-or-treating. But local leaders are making sure trick-or-treaters remember some important things while out on the road with other ghosts and ghouls.

Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger warned trick-or-treaters not to go out alone and to stay with a group of friends or with a trusted adult. He said wearing reflective tape on a bag or a costume can help drivers see people walking along the road, and carrying a flashlight is helpful to prevent trips or falls due to lack of visibility in the dark.

Krueger said wearing costumes and masks that fit correctly can also help prevent blocking the wearer’s vision and stop trips and falls.

Trick-or-treaters should use crosswalks and look both ways while crossing the street. Use sidewalks whenever possible, and walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic when walking on the roads. He also warned children never to go inside anyone’s home without an adult.

But staying safe this Halloween isn’t only for trick-or-treaters. It’s also important for drivers to be alert. Krueger warned drivers to slow down and watch for children, who are sure to be out getting goodies from neighbors.

“Obviously kids are going to dart out,” he said. “They’re excited.”

The heaviest trick-or-treating traffic has traditionally been from about 6 to 7:30 p.m., but since Halloween is on a Saturday this year it could be both earlier and later.

Adults should also be cautious with their own treats, as state and local law enforcement traditionally have extra enforcement out during holidays to watch for drunk drivers.

Halloween safety tips

To help you educate you children or relatives about Halloween safety, here are some safety tips we’ve compiled from the Centers for Disease Control, Minnesota Department of Public Safety and American Academy of Pediatrics:

•Avoid costumes with long or billowing fabric — it can be a fire hazard.

•Use battery operated candles or glow sticks inside jack-o-lanterns.

•Teach children to stay away from open flames and to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire.

•Keep decorations like hay, straw and corn stalks away from any ignition source.

•Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

•Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adultStay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

•Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

•Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

•Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

•Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

•Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

•Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

•Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

•Remain on well-lit streets.

•Never cut across yards or use alleys.

•Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.

•Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!

•Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

•Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

•Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

•Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

•Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

•If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

•Carry a cellphone for quick communication.

•Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.