Halloween is meant to be spooky, but it’s not meant to be dangerous. That’s why local public safety officials are pushing for kids to be safe while trick-or-treating this year.

Police Chief Brian Krueger and Fire Chief Mickey Healey said it’s important for parents to ensure their childrens’ safety on Halloween.

“If they’re on the younger side, it’s good to have a parent or older sibling with them to help navigate the streets,” Krueger said. “Grade-school aged children, kindergarten through at least fourth grade, probably should either be in large groups or with an older sibling so they’re safe.”

“Safety first — we don’t want to have any accidents or injuries,” he added.

Both chiefs said children need to be able to see and be seen. Some costumes include masks or head pieces that can block a person’s vision, but vision will be necessary for trick-or-treaters when they cross streets.

Brightly colored or reflective costumes are recommended so drivers can spot kids darting through residential areas.

“Make sure the costumes are visible so that people can see the kids when they’re out trick-or-treating,” Healey said.

“It’s also nice to have them brightly colored,” “It’s also nice to have them brightly colored,” Krueger added.

Parents should also consider the safety of the treats their children are collecting throughout the night.

Healey said it’s best to be cautious of homemade goodies if they come from someone the child doesn’t know.

“Things that are factory sealed, still be cautious with them, but anything that’s hand-wrapped that is easy to twist and untwist, kids shouldn’t eat because they might have been tampered with.”

Parents and children should also stick to the usual rule with strangers — don’t go into someone’s car or house unless you know them. Healey and Krueger said kids should go somewhere safe if they are invited inside by someone who makes them uncomfortable or someone they don’t know.

Trick-or-treating in groups can help in the event such a situation arises, Healey said.

“Unless you know the people, if they invite you in and you’re not comfortable or don’t know the people that live there, I would stay on the porch or outside without entering the residence,” Krueger said.

Another potential danger to look out for is candles inside jack-o-lanterns or near draperies. Since many costumes have excess fabric, they can catch fire easily. Decorations like corn stalks and hay are also very flammable, Healey said. He suggested using LED no-flame candles instead of the real thing.

If anyone sees any suspicious or criminal activity on Halloween, they should contact the local law enforcement center immediately.

“It’ll be business as usual, but if we get any reports of activities going on we will definitely look into them,” Krueger said.