It’s that time of year where you see ghosts and goblins, witches and princesses. Halloween night brings plenty of fun for kids of all ages. Homeowners throughout the northland are making sure they enough candy for Halloween tomorrow night. But what are some ways parents can keep their family safe and enjoy a night of trick-or-treating?

Mattie Hjelseth with the Duluth Police Department, says it’s important for trick-or-treaters to go out alone. There’s also going to be some rain and snow, in the forecast. Parents should make sure their kids wear layers under their costume before going out for candy.

“Just make sure when you’re wearing those masks with costumes that they’re out of your obstruction of the view so you can see where you’re walking. Definitely walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks,” Hjelseth said. “Stay in a group that’s always recommended too. Have a plan and definitely have a curfew with your family as well.”

Sometimes it’s safer to trick-or-treat earlier in the evening or even attend a trunk-or-treat for younger kids. But the most important way for families to have a fun and safe Halloween is making a plan.

“Stay in the area that you know about. Stay where it’s well lit. Just don’t go in dark alleys by yourself,” Hjelseth said. “By the time you start seeing those lights turn off, that should be kind of like an indicator, like maybe we should go home and head home for the night. Don’t go to the houses that don’t have the lights on. Just be courteous to your neighbors.”

But having a safe trick or treat route isn’t the only thing to keep in mind this Halloween. Drivers should also be more aware of their surroundings Halloween night.

“Just be aware that they will be out and about hopefully on sidewalks, but you never know what can happen,” Hjelseth said. “So just put down those distractions, drive slowly, and turn on your headlights so you can see these ghosts and goblins and Cinderella’s who are out and about.”

Although it’s not just Halloween night parents should keep an eye on their kids while trick-or-treating. Parents should know what candies might cause cavities.

Melanie Meier has worked at lake superior dental health for nearly three decades. She says there’s some sweets this Halloween season parents should be on the lookout for if their kids have braces.

 “Popcorn is hard to get cleaned up. Sticky foods like caramel apples. Maybe you just have to do the apple and slice up your apples,” Meier said. “So on the one night, they might treat themselves because it’s trick-or-treat, but you might trick yourself into breaking a bracket off as well.”

Meier also says it’s fine to have a piece of candy every now and then, but just remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss and maybe try less sugary sweets.

“There are some good mints and some gums. If you can have some sugar-free alternatives, that would be great,” Meier said. “Enjoy, be safe, and happy Halloween from Lake Superior Dental Health.”

It might be last minute to change Halloween costumes, but it’s always a good idea to wear bright, reflective tape. Also it’s a good idea to bring some glowsticks too while kids are out and about trick-or-treating.