The NLCRPD reminds parents and others sponsoring trick or treat activities this year of the standard safety measures that always apply and some new measures based upon guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This topic specific information is provided at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards.

All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant

If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks

When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first

Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.

A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds

If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you

Agree on a specific time for the child to return home

Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car

Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends

Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home

Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street

The National Safety Council offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:

Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs

Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully

At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing

Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween