For most children, this week is one of the most exciting of the year. It’s a chance to dress up in their favorite costumes — often as their favorite cartoon characters or superheroes — and to go door-to-door to collect candy.

For parents, it’s a night to pay careful attention, as children will be on the roads and may still be trick-or-treating outdoors as the sun begins to set. The Troup County Sheriff’s Office released safety tips for Halloween, and we suggest all parents give them a good look. Here are some of the highlights:

• The first is to always check any candy before letting your child eat it, including being especially careful of homemade treats made by strangers.
• Make sure your child’s costumes are properly sized to avoid falls and tripping.
• Have children wear reflective markings or carry a flashlight so they can be seen
• Always accompany your young children when they are trick-or-treating.
• Use non-toxic make-up on your child instead of a mask so vision is not limited.
• And finally, keep kids on a sidewalk or path and don’t let them dash across the street or to the next house. Always walk together and cross at a street corner.
• All of these are great tips — and parents should take note of all of them. We’ll add one additional — check the weather. Unfortunately, Thursday’s forecast isn’t looking promising for trick-or-treating, so plan accordingly. Hopefully, the weather will clear up, but even if it does, it’s likely that roadways may be wet. Drivers should also slow down, regardless of weather. 

We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.