On Halloween, children eagerly await dressing up as their favorite character and going door to door asking for treats.

But if they're not careful, children may end up with a bad trick instead. To prevent injuries or other harm, Darlene Eherenman, Kosciusko County Safe Kids, offers some advice to parents to keep their children safe.

"I really recommend, for little ones under age 4, it's best not to dress them in a mask ... ," she said. Makeup is better to use on them because their vision will not be blocked, she said.

Parents can help vehicles avoid hitting children by putting reflective tape on their children if the costumes aren't reflective themselves. And children always need to carry a flashlight, Eherenman said.

"It's best to travel in groups of two or three," she said. "Go in neighborhoods you're familiar with."

Once trick-or-treating is over, she said, "the emphasis is really on making sure they don't eat any of the candy" until a parent has checked it. To help keep children from eating candy right away, give them a good meal before they go out.

"I think," she said, "it's really important parents look over the candy." If candy is not wrapped securely, toss it out, she said.

Eherenman said it is always best for parents to go with their children, though it isn't always possible. If parents can't go with the children, tell the kids to stay in areas that are well-lit. Children should cross streets only at intersections and shouldn't go to a house if the porch light is not on.

Parents who drive their children around should always restrain the kids in safety belts. Trick-or-treating this year is on a Saturday, Eherenman said, and there may be many parties happening, which could make it more dangerous this year than on a year when Halloween falls on a weekday.

As for drivers, Eherenman said, "Even though the posted speed says 35 mph, this is a night that you may want to go (slower than) the posted speed."

Instead of going door to door, parents may want to take their children to trick-or-treating events held at nursing homes or parks.

"Those have really increased in the past couple of years," Eherenman said. "It's really great."

The Indiana State Police offer this additional safety advice:

• Observe community trick-or-treat hours.

• Never allow children to walk across yards, into dark alleys or between houses.

• Don't walk in the roadway.

• Children should remove their masks when walking and crossing the street.

• Costumes should be made of flame retardant materials.

• Don't allow children to carry burning jack-o-lanterns or candles.

• All props carried by children should be play items or toys.

Homeowners can help make Halloween fun and safe by:

• Leaving a porch light on if trick-or-treaters are welcomed.

• Making certain sidewalks are clear of garden hoses or any other hazards that might trip small children.

• Keep pets tied up or inside.

• Keep outside lights on and curtains and blinds open to prevent vandalism.

• Make certain all vehicles parked outside are locked and secured.

• Report problems with vandals or prowlers immediately to the police.

"We just want to wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween with an emphasis on safety," Eherenman said. [[In-content Ad]]