Keeping your kids safe while trick-or treating

(AP) Trick or treat is here – the time when little ghosts, goblins and, most likely, vampires,
zombies and a superhero or two, will run door-to-door, excitedly collecting treats from their neighbors.

Here’s some trick-or-treat safety tips:

Limit travels to well-lit, familiar areas, and never go trick-or-treating alone – it’s less fun
and less safe. Also, be sure costumes are visible after dark and that costume masks don’t block the vision of the wearer. Carrying a flashlight or including reflective material or glow sticks as part of a costume improves visibility for all. Motorists also should use extra caution during trick or treat hours.

*More tips below poll

At what age would you allow your kids to trick-or-treat without parents?

— WINK News (@winknews) October 24, 2017

MORE: Hurricane debris can pose danger to trick-or-treaters

Additional safety tips include:

— Don’t use open flames in jack o’ lanterns or other Halloween
decorations. Battery or electric-powered tea lights or glow sticks in
jack o’ lanterns are much safer than candles.

— Wear flame-resistant costumes and never walk near lit candles or
other open flames.

— Keep walking areas, steps and porches well-lit and free of
obstacles to avoid falls.

— Wherever possible, use established crosswalks and look both ways
before crossing the street.

— Inspect all treats before consuming to assure they have not been
tampered with.

— Decorative lights should be approved by Underwriter’s Laboratory
and carry a UL seal on the tag. Red UL marks indicate the lights are
approved for indoor or outdoor use, while green UL tags indicate
approval for indoor use only.

— Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into outlets that
feature Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).

— Indoor lights should not touch window treatments, carpet or
furniture.

— Place all lights on a timer if you’ll be away from home, and turn
off all lights before you go to bed.

Additional recommendations to stay safe this Halloween can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov/family/halloween