Halloween is creeping up on us, and kids will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick-or-treating fun. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania offers tips to help keep kids and pets safe while enjoying the festivities.

Costume safety

Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.

• Use face makeup instead of masks, which can make seeing difficult.

• Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.

• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, wear light-colored clothing.

• Wear flame-resistant costumes and wigs.

• When choosing costumes, stay away from long, trailing fabric to avoid falls.

Trick-or-treat safety

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 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.

• Walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.

• Drivers need to use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. As the sun goes down, watch for children in dark clothing.

• A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door. If older children are going alone, plan their route. Set a specific time they should return home. Teach them to only visit homes that have a porch light on, to accept treats at the door and never go inside.

• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

• Walk, don’t run.

• Check all goodies before the kids dig in. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

• If planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to the home, light the area well and sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps. Clear obstacles that someone could trip over.

Pets and Halloween

Keep pets in a separate area away from the festivities.

• Make sure pets can’t access any Halloween treats; they can be toxic for animals.

• If considering a costume for a pet, make sure the costume doesn’t limit movement or hamper breathing or sight.

• Halloween can spook pets, causing them to run away. Make sure the pet wears a pet ID. If they are going out after dark, make sure they wear a reflective collar and are securely leashed.

Lifesaving information is available for free to download from the apps. Search American Red Cross in the app store or visit redcross.org/apps today.

“From sprains to choking, there are some scary things that can happen around Halloween. Having the First Aid app on your phone makes finding what to do simple and can help keep your family safe,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on social.