AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

TOPEKA — Halloween is just around the corner and youngsters will soon be out trick or treating. As they get ready to collect their Halloween treats, the American Red Cross has tips to make this a fun and safe Halloween.

“Halloween is a fun time, especially for the little ones,” said Greg Simms, CEO, Kansas Capital Area Chapter. “The Red Cross has steps everyone can take to make sure their Halloween is also a safe one.”

COSTUME SAFETY -- There are steps parents can take to keep their little ghosts and goblins safe in their disguises:

Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
Use flame-resistant costumes.
Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover their eyes and make it hard to see.

BE SAFE WHILE OUT AND ABOUT -- To maximize safety for the trick or treaters, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.

Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:

Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.

Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
Don’t cut across yards or use alleys, or cross between parked cars.
Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

GREETING TRICK OR TREATERS -- For those who expect to welcome trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.

Restrain pets.
Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.