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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Costumes and a sugar rush make Halloween fun, but care needs to be taken to stay safe.

Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon said children and drivers need to pay attention to traffic to prevent children getting injured.

“Kids crossing the roads and things like that is always one of the bigger dangers,” Shearon said. “People need to watch for the kids and go a slower speed on Halloween night. Kids also need to be watching for people driving to make sure that they are going to be safe. That is always my biggest concern.”

Wearing reflective clothing is also recommended for children.

Shearon recommended going to Trick or Treat the Streets in Clanton, where streets are blocked off, or church events as a safer alternative to the traditional trick-or-treating. Maplesville is also hosting a candy giveaway Treats on Main, which closes the main street for some safe fun.

If trick-or-treating, children should stick to houses they know, and candy should be inspected for any signs of being tampered with.

“You never know that someone might do something to contaminate some candy or slide razor blades or needles or something like that inside apples or any kind of candy,” Shearon said. “You always have to be careful, just check the stuff before the kids consume it.”

Parents should also look for anything their child may be allergic to.

“Make sure to go through the candy together and pull out everything they may have an allergic reaction to,” said Tera Glenn, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System human nutrition, diet and health regional agent, in a press release. “It is always great to do this with your kids because it is a time for them to learn what to look for, too.”

Glenn also recommended those handing out treats have small toys, such as plastic rings, bouncy balls or mini slinkies, on hand for children who may be allergic to the candy they are giving out.