9 safety tips for Trick-or-Treat fun

Ghouls and goblins and treats galore! That's what's going through the minds of many children as they prepare for Halloween.

But, parents, remember to stress the importance of safety as your little Spiderman or Princess Anna goes trick-or-treating.

And kids, remember to always listen to your parents because they have your best interest in mind.

Here are nine tips to make this Halloween a safe and fun experience for children and parents.

1. Be seen. Children may be donning dark ghoulish colors on trick-or-treat nights, but they should always carry a flashlight, carry bright color treat bags with reflectors, stay in familiar neighborhoods and only visit houses that are well-lit and have a porch light on. They should also be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2. Set up a meeting time and location. If children are older and want to go out trick-or-treating with their friends without a parent, make sure they have a time and place to meet, as well as contact numbers in case they get in trouble. Also know the route that your child is planning to take the evening of trick-or-treating.

3. Wear costumes that fit. Costumes should not drag on the ground and shoes should fit properly. Masks can also obscure a child's vision so opt for face makeup if possible.

4. Don't snack. With all the candy being dropped in treat bags, children may be tempted to grab a quick snack, but hold off until you're home. Parents should inspect the candy to make sure nothing has been tampered with and is safe for the child.

5. Not everyone is a friend. Even though families are out in force on trick or treat night, not everyone has the best intentions. Remind kids never to enter homes or accept rides from strangers.

6. Halloween is for treats, not tricks. Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Trick-or-treating is a time to get treats, not play tricks on others. It is not appropriate to throw eggs, toilet paper houses, or do anything that vandalizes a property.

7. Watch your step. Children like to run, especially when they are excited about getting candy, but make sure they look both ways before crossing the street. It's dark out and even though it is trick-or-treat night, cars are still dangerous to pedestrians if they can't clearly see you. Always cross at the crosswalks and do not dart out from between cars into the street.

8. Stick together. Trick-or-treating with friends is a smart idea because there is safety in numbers. It is recommended that parents go with their children until they are at least 12 years old.

9. Some children have food allergies. The Food Allergy Research and Education organization is starting its Teal Pumpkin Project to help children with food allergies have a safe Halloween. If you plan on giving out treats, why not include allergy-friendly treats too, such as glow bracelets, pencils, crayons or bouncy balls. Also, paint a pumpkin teal and place it outside your door to let parents know your house has nonfood treats available.

Trick-or-treat nights announced

Area trick-or-treat nights have been scheduled.

People wishing to participate are asked to have their porch lights on during those hours.

Bowmanstown: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Chestnuthill Township: 6-8 p.m. Friday, with Trick or Treat Night at the Chestnuthill Township Park from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

Coaldale: 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

East Penn Township: "Trunks for Treats" from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the East Penn Social Hall.

Eldred Township: 6-8 p.m. Friday.

Franklin Township: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Jim Thorpe: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Lansford: 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

Lehighton: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Lower Towamensing: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Nesquehoning: 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

Palmerton: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Parryville: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Polk Township: 5-8 p.m. Friday. In case of bad weather, it will be 5-8 p.m. Saturday.

Ross Township: 5-7 p.m. Friday.

Rush Township: 6-8 p.m. Saturday.

Schuylkill Township: 6-8 p.m. Saturday.

Summit Hill: 6-8 p.m. Thursday. The rain date is 5-7 p.m. Saturday.

Tamaqua: 6-8 p.m. Friday.

Towamensing Township: 5-8 p.m. Friday.

Walnutport: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Weatherly: 6-8 p.m. Friday.

Weissport: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

West Penn Township: 6-8 p.m. Saturday.