Treats and No Tricks for a Safe Halloween

October ends with one of America's favorite holidays–Halloween.

It's a night of fun for kids (and adults too) who have a chance to enter the land of make believe by transforming into a scary creature or becoming a superhero or princess for one night–but it's also a night to remember that there will be more traffic than usual (vehicle and pedestrian).

That's why the will have several extra deputies out patrolling the neighborhoods.

Also make sure to take these few precautions before heading out for a night of trick-or-treating from Sheriff Ted Paxton.

Sheriff Paxton urges parents to carefully supervise their children's trick-or-treat activities on Monday.

"We want everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween," he said. "The last thing we want is to have a child injured during this special night."

Here are some helpful tips for everyone to ensure a safe and fun evening courtesy of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

• Make sure your child's costume is made of a flame retardant material

• Give your child a cell phone to use in the event of an emergency

• Know what other activities your child may be attending, such as a school or neighborhood party. Know who the chaperones are.

• Set a definite, agreed-upon time for your child to return home and stick to it.

• To improve visibility, add some reflective tape to your child's costume and candy bag.

• Make sure the candy container your child is carrying is not too large to handle safely.

• Make sure your child stays with an organized group that is supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

• Have your child carry a good flashlight and make sure it is used.

• Encourage your child not to run across yards where he or she might trip over an obstacle. Instead, they should use driveways and sidewalks.

• Trick-or-treat only in familiar neighborhoods at well-lit houses.

• Knives, swords or other costume props should be made of a flexible material that do not pose a hazard should the child trip and fall.

• If your child is wearing a face mask, make sure it fits securely and does not block vision.

• If you follow your child in a car, drive slowly and keep your headlights and flashers on at all times.

• Inspect all candy and other treats before your child eats it.

• Allow your child to have only candy products that are commercially wrapped.

• Parents of younger children dispose of any candy that could possibly represent a choking hazard.

• If you allow your child to have fruit, such as apples, cut it open and inspect it before allowing your child to eat it.

• Homeowners should prepare their homes for trick-or-treaters by turning on all outside floodlights and removing front yard obstacles.

• Pets should be put in the house and out of the yard.

• For Adults: If you are planning to attend a Halloween party this weekend, make sure you don't drink and drive. If you do consume alcohol at the party, use a designated driver for the trip home.