Trick, treat and stay safe!

As Halloween approaches, many families are getting ready for an evening filled with costumes, candy and community fun. Whether you're handing out treats or walking door to door, it's important to keep safety in mind so everyone ends the night with smiles and not scares.

The Indiana State Police offer several helpful tips to make sure trick-or-treating goes smoothly. Before heading out, plan a route through familiar neighborhoods and remind kids to visit only homes with their porch lights on. Be sure to follow your community's trick-or-treating hours and if you'll be out after dark, bring flashlights and stay near well-lit streets. Adding reflecting tape or glow sticks to costumes can also make children more visible to drivers.

Costume safety is important too. Choose flame-resistant fabrics, make sure masks don’t block vision and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls.

Encourage kids to stay on sidewalks, cross streets at corners or crosswalks and never go inside a stranger's home or vehicle. When the candy haul is complete, take a few minutes to look over the treats together in a well-lit area. Toss out anything that's unwrapped or looks suspicious and only keep candy that's sealed in its original packaging.

Halloween should be a night of fun and imagination, not worry. With a little preparation and some extra awareness, we can all help keep our neighborhoods safe for every trick-or-treater. For more Halloween safety tips, visit in.gov/isp.

Have a fun, safe and spooky Halloween!