Halloween-related happenings across our communities are well underway. Of course the big day for kids will be here soon. Most everyone will be celebrating trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. What is nice is that it doesn’t fall on a school night this year — it’s a Friday. And if the weather cooperates hundreds of children will gleefully be frocking out and about in search of goodies. In every costume imaginable!

Conscientious parents, grandparents and guardians already practice year-round safety when it comes to loves ones.

But we would be remiss not to offer some safety tips. We should already be aware of them but consider this a reminder:

— Parents and guardians should keep eyes on the children while they are out. Go along with them and get some exercise at the same time. It’s fun to share those kinds of moments with your children and grandkids. Sad to say but there are too many bad people out there wanting to hurt unsuspecting, left-alone children. There are bad people intent on harm including molesters.

— Parents, guardians should go through and examine all candy brought home. Toss the choking hazards. Why risk it? Toss any candy that appears to have disturbed wrapping. Tampering does happen. There are nuts out there intent on harm. We have all heard stories about needles found in candy. Toss homemade treats. How confident would you be eating something like that from a stranger?

— Drivers, please, please beware of children darting to and fro. They are difficult to see, especially when dusk comes. Not to mention dusk and rain which make it even more of a driving burden. We vividly remember 13 years ago when a Lisbon youngster was struck while trick or treating. Luckily he was not seriously injured. Parents sending kids out might want to invest in some of those glow sticks. They really do work.

— Those distributing candy should put on a porch light. Make sure there is no clutter on the steps and entrance ways. Some of the ill-fitting costumes are sometimes too long for those little legs. Tripping happens. Often. And for those not giving out candy, perhaps leave your porch light off so kids don’t waste their precious candy-gathering time walking up your steps for no reason.

Trick or treating is a great and timeless activity. We have all done it and carry memories of the good times. Let’s keep it safe and fun for all the kids. And watch out for those ghosts and goblins!