ROANOKE RAPIDS — It’s that time of year — Pumpkins and scary decorations adorn homes and this weekend children will be out in force in all manner of festive garb. It’s Halloween. Fun and candy should be had by all.

Roger Bell | The Daily Herald This princess costume worn by pre-schooler Brooke Ott is an example of a safer sort of costume because it would be more visible at night. Advertisement

(For a list of Halloween events and hours for trick-or-treaters see page 3 of The Daily Herald.)

But Halloween represents some dangers. Trick-or-treaters in dark costumes walking the streets after sunset could be at risk. Area police departments urge caution and care to all residents and their little ones during the Halloween festivities.

The following are Halloween safety tips provided by Roanoke Rapids Deputy Police Chief Adam Bondarek:

• Stay on the sidewalks. But when walking on streets with no sidewalks, make sure children stay closest to curbing and parents walk outside their child, between their child and the road’s center.

• If possible, have each trick-or-treater carry a flashlight. If not, accompanying adults should carry flashlights.

• Wear bright colors or apply reflective material to dark costumes. If children insist on dark costumes, parents and adults should wear bright or reflective clothing.

• Do your trick-or-treating in neighborhoods where you are comfortable.

• Do not cut through yards or across yards.

• Cross the streets on corners and not between parked cars.

• Travel in groups — a larger group is more visible than a small one and there’s safety in numbers.

• Do not walk in the middle of the road.

• Motorists should exercise extra caution and be alert to people walking in the streets.

“We just want everyone to stay safe and have a good, celebratory time,” Bondarek adds.

Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Frazier agrees with Bondarek’s tips and adds parents should inspect candy before allowing children to consume it and for pedestrians to “be aware of the traffic.”

Frazier believes following the safety tips will ensure “everybody goes home and has a good night.”