Trick or treat!

Yup, the bewitching hour is just about upon us: Trick-or-treating begins at 3 p.m. today in many of our towns. Here are some tips to make that as safe and enjoyable as possible, from the city of St. Charles:

• Limit your child's "Trick or Treating" to trick-or-treating hours in your community. (Check The Courier-News' list for those hours in your town here.)


• Young children should be accompanied by their parents or another responsible adult.


• If there is a chance they will be out after dark, one member of each group should carry a flashlight.


• Stress to your children they watch for traffic.


• Have them walk on the sidewalk and cross the street at intersections.


• Check that your child's costume fits properly and they can see well.


• Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.


• Children should be dressed in light colored costumes, and short enough to prevent tripping.


• If they do wear dark-colored clothing, add reflective tape or reflectors.

And for those of you too old to trick-or-treat (is there such a thing?):

• Motorists, be especially observant, and watch for children who are not being alert for cars.


• All residents are encouraged to utilize outside lighting for the safety of the trick-or-treaters.


• Also, close and lock their car and garage doors to reduce the opportunity of theft and vandalism.

And when all is said and done, send your Readers' Reporter some photos of yourself, your kids or your pets in costume via Twitter at @couriernews or email at emcfarlan@stmedianetwork.com. (I'm a little bummed to be working Halloween night, and I don't want to miss out!) You just may see your photos on this blog tomorrow!

-- Emily McFarlan, Readers' Reporter