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KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- Halloween is a fun time for kids, but it is also an important night to be safe.

Local police departments want to make Halloween a fun, safe and happy time for your little ghosts and goblins.

Make sure your childs costume does not drag on the ground. And for good visibility, add some reflective tape to the costume or bag that the child is using to carry candy so they can be seen in the dark.

Trick or treaters should carry a flashlight. Walk, don't run from house to house. Also, stay in familiar neighborhoods and approach only houses that are lit.  

"Make sure they stay on the sidewalks,” said Kirksville Police Department Sgt. Steve Farnsworth. “It's especially important not to cut in between parked cars, to cross the street and to cross at the crosswalks."

To help keep trick-or-treaters safe, homeowners should prepare their home to ensure that halloween is a night of treats and not a night of fright.

"Keep pets away from the trick-or-treaters. And just kind of clean up your yard so you are not going to have an accident, someone falling over a shovel or falling over a rake.” said Sgt. Farnsworth.

The police department adds that homeowners should turn the porch light on if they are expecting trick-or-treaters.

Provide treats that are individually wrapped candy or offer kids nonfood treats, such as stickers and erasers.

Rather than using candles or other real flames, homeowners should consider using battery powered jack o' lantern lights. If a person chooses to use real candles, then pumpkins should be placed well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.