Tips for a safe Halloween

Tonight is the night - hordes of ghouls, ghosts, goblins (and probably some Harley Quinns) will take to the streets of Thunder Bay in search of candy.

Halloween is the scariest night of the year. But that doesn't mean it can't also be safe.

And don't worry, trick-or-treaters — being careful tonight doesn't have to cut into your candy bounty. In fact, there are some very simple things you can do to increase your Halloween safety.

Here are some tips, courtesy of the Thunder Bay Police Service:

Costumes and masks

• Make sure your costumes and masks fit properly — that'll increase visibility and help you avoid trips and falls
• Attach reflective tape or other material to costumes and bags to make yourself more visible
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick while trick-or-treating to help you see, and also help others see you 

Be careful

• Don't trick-or-treat alone — go in groups or with a trusted adult
• Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses 
• If your children are older and going trick-or-treating without a parent, help them plan a route
• Set a specific time for them to return home
• Never accept rides from strangers
• Always walk — don't run from house to house
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Use established crosswalks wherever possible
• And if you're driving Thunder Bay roadways tonight, use extra caution

Check your treats

• Do not eat treats before your parents have had a chance to check them
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats
• Avoid eating treats made by strangers