Today is the day — or rather, the night of the scariest time of the year. Happy Halloween! Around the county, hundreds of young people are expected to take the journey from house to house in search of the one thing all kids crave; candy!

Tonight is meant to be a night of fun memories of flying bats and witches creepily laughing in the distance, so please keep in mind these simple yet effective ways of staying safe while out trick-or-treating with your younger celebrations of the holiday.

1. Carry a flashlight or any other light up article of clothing to ensure visibility at all times. Many kids don’t realize how difficult it can be to drive at night and safety while walking alongside the road is paramount to ensuring all kids and candy is accounted for.

2. Travel in a group. What’s more fun than spending Halloween night with a couple of friends in costume? Nothing! Plus, you won’t get any less candy if you move as a pack. 

3. Stick to well traveled routes. That’s where all the candy is anyway! There is truly nothing scarier than taking a wrong turn and ending up in front of the witch’s hut...so avoid that entirely and only seek candy from houses that have their lights on.

4. Have a plan to meet up or be sure to establish contact with parents, guardians, chaperones and anyone else who may be joining you on your journey. With today’s smartphones, there shouldn’t ever be a reason to not know where your fellow trick-or-treaters are.

5. Have fun! On the spookiest night of the year, enjoy all of the feelings of fall with a eerie twist. After all, it only comes around once a year. So practice your own evil laugh and watch out for those fake spiderwebs that always seem to find its way into your hair.

To the parents and trick-or-treating chaperones, don’t forget the ever-important ‘candy tax’ for all your diligence. You may have to play a few tricks of your own to secure your well earned treat, but we are sure your consumed companions won’t miss a Twix bar or two.

Stay safe and happy Halloween once again! Keep an eye out for vampires and zombies...