Flashlights like these can help make children visible to drivers on Halloween.

Tucumcari Police Chief roger Hatcher said bright color pails like these ones make trick-or-treaters visable to drivers in the late hours.

Quay County Sheriff Joe Schallert recommends parents inspect their children's candy before they eat it. Any candy that has been opened should be discarded.

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year and local law enforcement agencies are encouraging kids and parents to enjoy the spooky holiday but also recommending caution and awareness during the late hours.

The low temperature forecasted for Saturday night is 42 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

 “I would recommend dressing warm and head out early,” said Quay County Sheriff Joe Schallert.

Schallert said no matter what time trick-or-treaters go out they need to remember to stay with their parents.

“Go with friends and family,” Schallert said. “Stay in a group and never go off alone. “

He recommended limiting trick-or-treating to houses and families that are familiar and have porch lights on.

Schallert said children should not eat anything that is not properly wrapped.

“Kids are going to want to eat the candy the minute they get it,” Schallert said. “Parents should encourage the kids to let them inspect the candy first. They should discard any candy that is open."

While out trick-or-treating children and parents need to take precautions near and on the roadways.

“Have flashlights. It helps a child see where they are going and it helps drivers see them, too,” said Roger Hatcher, Tucumcari police chief.

Hatcher recommends children wear reflective material on their costumes.

Drivers need to be extra careful and watch out for the children.

“Kids are going to be excited,” Hatcher said. They might run  into traffic. Drivers need to slow down while in residential areas.

Hatcher said parked vehicles can pose a danger as well.

“Definitely watch out for parked cars,” Hatcher said. “Do not run between vehicles. Cross the street at the corner. Be sure the driver can see you or the child.”

Halloween Safety Tips

Costumes

• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.

• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.

• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.

• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.

• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

• Supervise pumpkin carvings to avoid lacerations.

Treats

• Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.

•Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

• Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

• Indoors, keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

• Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.

• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.

•Don't overload extension cords.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissionwww.cpsc.gov