By: Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

Halloween, one of the country’s most popular holidays, is just days away. Soon neighborhoods across Northeast Ohio will be filled with witches, ghosts, pirates and superheroes.

As you prepare to take to the streets for some trick-or-treating fun, the American Red Cross offers some tips to help keep you and your family safe:

1. Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.
   • Use face makeup instead of masks. Masks can make it hard for a child to see clearly.
   • Give kids a flashlight to light their way.
   • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
   • Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to help motorists see your trick-or-treater at night.

2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
3. Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance. Make sure adults know where their children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
4. It’s not only vampires and monsters people have to look out for on Halloween. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
5. Walk, don’t run.
6. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—NEVER go inside.
7. 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 or use alleys.
   • Don’t cross between parked cars.
   • Use extra caution if driving. Young trick-or-treaters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

8. Make sure a grown-up checks the sweet goodies before eating.
   • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
   • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

And finally, for those expecting trick-or-treaters at their homes looking for candy, follow these safety steps:

9. Light the area well so young visitors can see.
10. 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, zombie or werewolf 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 smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

By being prepared and keeping these tips in mind, you and your little ghouls and goblins can have a safe, fun and candy-filled Halloween!