This Halloween we hope Lawrence County families get far more treats than they do tricks.

With events slated for Thursday in Ironton and Coal Grove and Monday, October 31 for most other communities, now is time to refresh your memory about the do’s and don’ts of Halloween.

There are many things families can do to ensure that their children are safe during trick or treat and other Halloween activities.

Here are some helpful tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

> Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

> Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

> Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

> Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always walk and don’t run from house to house.

> Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

> Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

> Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

> Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

> Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

> Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

> Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

> Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Following these basic guidelines is a good first step toward having a happy Halloween for all those little ghouls and goblins out there.