In less than a week, it’ll be Halloween, one of the spookiest and most unique days on our calendars. Many children will go trick-or-treating around Troup County, wearing their favorite superhero or animal costume, hoping to get as much as free candy as possible.

Children often look forward to it all year, and so do some adults. But it can also make parents a little concerned, considering their kids will be walking beside roads and may be trick or treating in neighborhoods they aren’t as familiar with.

Safety, as always, comes first. According to Safety Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to help families and community stay safe from injuries, there are many ways to keep children safe on Halloween night.

Some of them are common sense, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth reviewing. First, it’s best for children 12 and under to be accompanied by an adult. Any child not with an adult should stick to familiar areas that are well-lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Safe Kids recommends using regular safety tips when walking along roads, such as crossing the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Tell children to keep their phones put away and look both ways before crossing the street.

Costumes should be the right size — preventing trips and falls — and kids should carry glow sticks or flashlights in the dark, so it’s easier for drivers to see them. Face paint is also a safer alternative to masks, which might obstruct a child’s vision.

Of course, drivers are also asked to be careful driving for the next week or so. Watch for children, understanding that trick-or-treating is likely to start as soon as this weekend and continue until Wednesday.

Halloween is a fun night for everyone, so make sure you review safety tips with your kids so that everyone can have a good time.