More than 41 million people are expected to go trick-or-treating this year, according to State Farm.
For a list of things to do for Halloween, click here.
Here’s what you need to know before heading out Thursday:
THE FORECAST
Halloween’s weather outlook originally called for rain, but there’s good news for trick-or-treaters.
Rain and storms are expected through most of Thursday but will be tapering off by the time many kids are heading out.
The weather should clear up between 7 and 8 p.m., according to WRCB-TV Channel 3 Meteorologist David Karnes. But pack a jacket, because as the rain pushes out, cold weather will be moving in.
Expect the lows to be in the 40s.
SAFETY TIPS
A better weather forecast means more children out and about in the dark.
According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by cars and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
To help keep things safe and fun, the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security offers these tips:
For parents
‘ Make sure an adult or responsible youth will be supervising children under 12.
A new poll released Wednesday by the Associated Press says most Americans think it’s unsafe for kids to trick-or-treat alone, including about a third who say it’s very unsafe. Perhaps not surprisingly, city residents and people with younger children at home are especially likely to say it’s very unsafe.
‘ Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to take
‘ Teach children to stop at “well lit” homes/apartments
‘ Establish a return time home
‘ Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes
‘ Costumes should not be too long to avoid a tripping hazard
‘ Masks should not obstruct children’s vision
‘ Candy bags should be light-colored or trimmed with reflective tape
‘ Children should carry flashlights/glow sticks to avoid trips/falls
‘ Inspect all candy before consumption – especially for those with food allergies. This will avoid a potentially life-threatening situation.
For children
‘ Do not enter homes/apartments without adult supervision
‘ Walk, don’t run, from house to house
‘ Walk on sidewalks, not in the street
‘ Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks
For drivers
‘ Watch for children darting out from between parked cars
‘ Watch for children walking on roadways, median and curbs
‘ Watch for children/adults wearing dark clothing
For homeowners
‘ Homes should be kept brightly lit indoors and outside, according to State Farm
‘ Debris and other obstacles should be cleared from lawns, sidewalks and steps
‘ Opt for battery-operated candles in jack-o’-lanterns or other areas where costumed trick-or-treaters might stand
‘ Keep pets kenneled or in another room