By Lena Ayuk, Red Cross volunteer

Halloween puts trick-or-treaters and revelers on the same streets after dark. This weekend, keep the night fun while spotting the safety hazards that little ghouls and goblins might not.

Parents should accompany young children and agree on a route and return time for older children who are heading out without adults. Carry a flashlight with you to be seen and reveal uneven pavement and steps. Stick to homes with porch lights on and stay outside when trick-or-treating.

At home, sweep leaves from steps and move cords out of walkways. Light the entrance and keep exits clear.

Slow down at the wheel and on foot. Excited trick-or-treaters may run into streets or cross between parked cars unnoticed. Keep your headlights on. Stay vigilant by putting phones and devices away while behind the wheel. If you’re walking, just walk, don’t run.

Go for a safe costume. Light colors show up better after dark. For dark costumes, use reflective tape to add visibility. Trailing fabric on dresses or capes can be a tripping hazard. Avoid hyper-realistic swords or wands that could cause injuries.

Check the forecast. Leave room for layers or a jacket, and bring an umbrella just in case.

Protect eyes. Masks might not always be the safest option. To keep your vision clear, opt for face paint or makeup instead. Test it on a small patch of skin first, and keep glitter away from the eyes. Skip decorative contact lenses -- even ones that only change eye color are best used under prescription and after proper fitting.

An adult should check all collected candy before anyone eats. Discard any loose candy and opened packages. Remove choking hazards and check labels for allergens. Chocolate and some other candies are toxic to animals, so keep the stash away from pets.

Set a return time before children leave. Remember daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, right after Halloween. If your teens are heading into Washington, D.C., make sure they know about the city’s curfew guidance. Other towns or counties may have specific trick-or-treating hours and age rules, like Rehoboth Beach and St. Michaels.

Happy Halloween! Find more safety tips from the Red Cross here.