RALEIGH — It’s the time of year when little princesses, super heroes, and ghosts roam the streets collecting sweets. This Halloween, the American Red Cross would like for everyone to stay safe while they are enjoying the festivities.

“Halloween is such a fun day for kids and adults. From trick-or-treating to parties, the Red Cross wants everyone to stay as safe as possible during this spooky holiday,” said Barry Porter, regional CEO of the Red Cross in eastern North Carolina.

COSTUME SAFETY

Whether the little one wants to be a ghost, a princess or a superhero, parents can help keep them safe by following some costume advice:

• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING

To maximize safety, plan the route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they make their way around the neighborhood. Other safety tips include:

• Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight to see where they are going and to be seen by drivers.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door — never go inside.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• It’s not only vampires and monsters people have to look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating. Remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

WELCOMING THE KIDS

If someone is manning the candy giveaway at their house, they can make sure it’s a fun night for all by doing the following:

• Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain the pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.
• Use extra caution if driving. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

People can download the all-inclusive Red Cross Emergency app which combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. And there is a special mobile app — Monster Guard — designed for kids, teaching them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game. Users can find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.