By Shane Schneider

Streets and sidewalks in communities across the country will be filled with all kinds of odd little creatures hauling sacks and buckets door to door in a quest for bite-sized sugary treats.

For many of us, Halloween was one of the highlights of childhood – and it’s no different for our kids.

Yet, wandering around in the dark with a mask on does have its risks for both children and adults. It’s always a good idea to pause and consider how we can keep our kids safe this Halloween – so it remains a fun memory for them and for us.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, twice as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Yet, only about 33  percent of parents discuss Halloween safety with their children.

Here are some tips from Safe Kids to help ensure all the trick-or-treaters have a safe and happy Halloween:

• Children under the age of 12 should be accomanied by an adult.
• Stick to sidewalks and paths.
• No sidewalks? Walk facing traffic.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Look left, right, and left again when crossing.
• Cross at street corners, using traffics signals and crosswalks.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. Wear bright colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup instead of masks that can obstruct vision.
• Wear glowsticks or carry flashlights.

If you’re driving, please be alert, particularly between the evening hours of 5:30 and 9:30. Children are excited and distracted on Halloween, and it’s hard to predict their movements, especially mid-block.

Let us know if you have any other safety suggestions, and we’ll be happy to share them.

Be safe, be seen this Halloween.

Most of all, have fun!