Spooky, but safe

ISSUE: Tonight's candy collection craze 
OUR VIEW: Keep it safe, neighborly this Halloween

Turn on your lights to welcome trick-or-treaters. If you’re not passing out candy, let children know by keeping your porch dark and front door closed.

Remove all obstacles, especially candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns, from walkways and stairwells children will use.

Illuminate costumes or treat bags with reflective tape and carry a flashlight if you’ll be out after dark.

Crosswalks should be used whenever possible. At the least, remember to look both ways before crossing, do not cross between parked cars and stay on sidewalks or the far edge of the street facing traffic. Motorists, be on the watch for children; they’ll be excited, perhaps unpredictable.

Know your route. Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods in groups or with a trusted adult.

Obstructive costumes are hazardous. Wear costumes that fit well to avoid tripping or blocked vision.

Remind children to walk, not run.

Test Halloween makeup on a small area before applying to face. Remove all makeup before bedtime to prevent skin or eye irritation.

Restrain your pets. Dogs should be leashed and pets that might react poorly to hoards of children are best left inside.

Employ Halloween etiquette. Children, say “trick or treat” and “thank you.” Teens, there are no official age limits on trick-or-treating and there are mixed opinions on when a child is too old to collect candy. However, most agree high school students are too old. And if you come across a “take one” bowl, take just one, not the whole bowl.

All candy should be inspected before eating. Look for choking hazards and signs of tampering. Only consume homemade treats from people you trust. To keep kids from digging into their bags early, give them a snack in advance or take along some candy from your own stash.

Take it home at 8 p.m. City and county officials throughout the area set trick-or-treat times. Elizabethtown, West Point and unincorporated areas of Hardin County start at 5 p.m. Radcliff, Sonora, Vine Grove and LaRue County, including Hodgenville, start at 6 p.m. All end at 8 p.m.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.