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By EMILY REED | Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – With many celebrating Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31, the Alabaster Police Department has compiled some helpful safety tips for those planning to trick-or-treat.

• A responsible adult should escort children while they are trick-or-treating.
• Adult escorts should carry flashlights to be easily seen by motorists who might be traveling in areas of trick-or-treaters.
• Instruct children to not stray from the group they are trick-or-treating with.
• Children should look in all directions before crossing the street.
• Children should walk, not run, during their trick-or-treat activities.
• Children should be taught to never enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Children should never accept rides from strangers.
• Children should never take shortcuts through backyards.
• Children should never eat any treats until they have been examined.
• If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that everyone feels is safe and acceptable to follow.
• Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.
• Travel only in familiar, well-lit areas.
• Children, teens and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep their heads up and enjoy a safe evening together.