OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Pictured is a home decorated for Halloween on Serval Street in Dunkirk.

With Halloween fast approaching, the City of Dunkirk Police Department has offered advice on how to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.

Halloween costumes:

¯ Check that the costumes are flame retardant.

¯ Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night.

¯ Try using make-up instead of masks, a mask can be uncomfortable and obstruct a child’s view when crossing streets and using steps.

¯ Wear light colored costumes and use reflective material or tape, this will make children more visible after dark.

¯ Avoid costumes that have weapons, if they are part of the costume make sure they are made from cardboard or other flexible material.

Trick or Treating:

¯ Never let children go out alone.

¯ Young children should be with parents, older kids with friends.

¯ Trick or treat in groups.

¯ Map a route ahead of time and make sure parents know the route.

¯ Stop only at familiar houses with lights on.

¯ Try and trick or treat while it’s still light out.

¯ Stay in well lighted areas and carry a flashlight.

¯ Teach children to never go into a stranger’s house or accept a ride from a stranger. If someone makes them feel uncomfortable or tries to grab them, children should scream, yell, fight, and kick to get away. They should then find a parent or adult they trust and tell them what happened as soon as possible.

¯ If your child has a cell phone, make sure they are familiar with local emergency numbers and the proper use of 911 and what information they need to give First Responders.

¯ Walk on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks.

Treats:

¯ Teach children to not eat any treats until they get home.

¯ To avoid temptation, give children a snack before they go out.

¯ Check all treats at home and eat only unopened candy and treats in original wrappers. Be careful with fruit and homemade treats and discard them if you don’t know the person who gave them.

If you want Trick or Treaters to stop at your house, turn your porch light on. Trick or Treaters should only stop at houses that have porch lights on.

Dunkirk’s Neighborhood Watch groups will be out keeping an eye on their neighborhoods for criminal activity and reporting to the Police Department. Anyone who witnesses or suspects any criminal activity is urged to dial 911 for emergencies.

In Dunkirk, there will be Trick or Treating, games and prizes at City Hall and the Stearns Annex Building on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Many other municipalities have set their hours for trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods. All times are scheduled for Halloween itself, Monday, Oct. 31.

¯ Brocton: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

¯ Cassadaga: 5 to 7 p.m.

¯ City of Dunkirk: 4 to 7 p.m.

¯ Town of Dunkirk: 4 to 7 p.m.

¯ Fredonia: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

¯ Gowanda: 6 to 8 p.m.

¯ Hanover: 5 to 8 p.m.

¯ Silver Creek: 5 to 8 p.m.