Times Observer file photo Adults walk with children who are out trick-or-treating. Officials urge trick-or-treaters, those giving out candy, and motorists to stay safe this Halloween.

Trick-or-treating is this weekend and officials are hoping people stay safe.

“Halloween season is once again upon us,” Youngsville Borough Police Chief Todd Mineweaser said. “It can be a fun time but also scary for parents with little ones.”

“Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. and with most communities returning to normal activities this school year, people should expect a higher volume of visitors in search of tricks and treats,” Mary Rogers, Executive Director, Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said. “Whether you’re handing out goodies or going door-to-door, with just a few simple considerations you can make sure your family and those around you are safe and sound.”

Mineweaser stressed the importance of youngsters carrying or wearing lights or reflective tape.

“Parents or guardians of younger trick-or-treaters; make sure your child is visible with a glow stick or reflective tape on Halloween bags or costumes,” he said. “This is the time of year more children are on foot crossing streets and running around parked cars, driveways and sidewalks than any other time.”

The Red Cross agrees.

“Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen,” according to a release from Regional Director of Marketing and Communications Lisa Landis. “Give kids a flashlight to light their way and consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.”

Children should be accompanied during their Halloween outings. “Make sure a reliable sober adult is with your child at all times,” Mineweaser said. “Teach and instruct children to only stop at residences that are well lit and familiar to them.

Stay with groups and do not run.”

“Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance and make sure adults know where their children are going,” Landis said.

It is important for trick-or-treaters, those accompanying them, and drivers, to maintain their awareness. “Many parents will be driving their children up and down the streets for these reasons and may be distracted while watching their children walking house to house, so pay attention,” he said. “This means do not carry your cellular devices and keep your head up while walking.”

“Drivers, if you must travel over the Halloween weekend, pay attention to your surroundings, drive slower than the posted speed limits especially in small communities with lots of foot traffic,” he said. “Children may be wearing dark clothing, running, looking at a phone or not able to see through a mask, so we must be on guard and watch for them.”

“Most children will be protected and watched over but some won’t,” Mineweaser said. “Be careful pulling in and out of driveways and turning down side streets. If you’re an inexperienced or young driver, I would encourage you to take the weekend off from driving.”

“And for the love of God: stay off your cell phones while driving!” he said. “Better yet leave it in your pocket, glove box, or at home.”

“As patrol officers will be out and about, they are the ones that see all these things mentioned happening year after year,” Mineweaser said.

The Red Cross added some COVID-19 related precautions to its list.

“Make your cloth mask part of your costume,” Landis said. “A costume mask is not a safe substitute for a cloth mask. Avoid wearing a costume mask over a cloth mask as it can make breathing difficult.”

“Plan outdoor activities and avoid indoor events where the risk of virus transmission is higher,” she said. “Bring hand sanitizer with you while trick-or-treating and use it after touching objects or other people. Wash your hands when you get home. Avoid trick-or-treating in large groups, and social distance from others around the neighborhood.”

Both Mineweaser and Landis urged parents to check the collected candy before anyone starts eating.

“Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating,” Landis said. “Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.”

“Especially in today’s society with so much candy infused with THC… look-alike gummy bears, candy bars, cookies, etc.. have THC laced in them,” Mineweaser said. “Pretty sad parents and grandparents have to worry about their children eating candy with the possibility of it being laced with a drug.”

Landis also offered recommendations for those who will be at home distributing goodies: “give out treats outdoors, if possible; avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters by setting up an area with individually bagged treats for kids to take. Wash your hands before handling treats; maintain social distancing and wear a cloth mask; light the area well so young visitors can see; sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps, clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.”

Most of all, “Be Safe,” Mineweaser said.