Halloween is a night filled with costumes, candy and plenty of fun. A little preparation can help make sure the only scares are the ones you planned.

Whether you’re heading out to trick-or-treat, welcoming visitors at home or driving through your neighborhood, keep these safety and preparedness tips in mind.

Costume Safety

Choose costumes that fit well and don’t create a tripping hazard. Bright colors, reflective tape or other reflective materials can help make children more visible after dark.

Make sure masks, hats and other costume pieces don’t block a child’s vision. Non-toxic face paint can be a good alternative to masks that make it difficult to see.

Oregon evenings can get chilly, so check the forecast and consider adding warm layers underneath costumes.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Young children should trick-or-treat with a trusted adult. Older children who are ready to go without an adult should stay with a group, follow an agreed-upon route and have a set time to return home.

Bring flashlights or glow sticks to help everyone see and be seen.

Remind children to:

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
• Follow traffic signals and stay alert for vehicles.
• Avoid cutting between parked cars.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Stay with their group and check in with a parent or caregiver as planned.

Check the Treats

Before kids dig into their candy, take a few minutes to look through their treats. Discard anything that is open, damaged or appears unusual.

For children with food allergies, check ingredient labels carefully and avoid treats when the ingredients aren't known. Remind children not to trade candy without considering their friends’ food allergies.

Make Your Home Safe for Visitors

If you’re handing out treats, take a quick look at your walkway, porch and yard before trick-or-treaters arrive. Remove anything that could cause someone to trip and make sure entrances and walkways are well lit.

Use battery-operated candles or lights inside pumpkins and other decorations instead of open flames.

Keep electrical cords and decorations away from walkways, and secure decorations so they don't create a tripping or injury hazard.

Pets may become frightened or overwhelmed by costumes, unfamiliar visitors and frequent doorbell ringing. Consider keeping pets in a secure, quiet area away from the front door.

Have a Plan

Halloween is also a great opportunity to practice simple family preparedness.

Before heading out, talk about what everyone should do if someone becomes separated from the group. Children should know how to call 911 in an emergency and how to reach a parent or trusted adult.

Make sure children have a parent's or caregiver's phone number with them. For younger children who haven't memorized a number, write it on a card and place it somewhere secure.

Older children carrying a phone should leave home with it fully charged.

Watch for Trick-or-Treaters

Drivers should use extra caution on Halloween, especially in residential neighborhoods where more children and families may be walking.

Slow down, stay alert at intersections and driveways, and watch carefully for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway. Avoid distractions behind the wheel and give yourself extra time to get where you're going.

Halloween should be memorable for the costumes, creativity and fun — not an emergency. A few simple precautions can help make it a spooky, safe night for everyone.