Going out

trick-or-treating later tonight? Check out these safety rules first.

It’s Halloween again — time for the little ghosts and goblins to trick-or-treat for chocolate and other candy.

But as the kids get dressed up as superheroes and princesses today, it’s important to remember some basic safety tips.

Here’s what the Orlando police and fire departments advise:

Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas and cross streets only at crosswalks.

Approach only homes that have porch lights on.

Ideally, children younger than 12 should trick-or-treat with an adult. If they go alone, they should walk in groups and in familiar areas.

Parents should set specific times to go out and check in on their children once in a while.

Walk around any debris piles left over from Hurricane Irma.

Stay visible as it starts getting dark — about 7 p.m. Carry flashlights or put reflective tape or stickers on candy bags.

Children should be able to walk, see and hear freely while wearing their costumes.

Face paint should be nontoxic and tested for allergies before fully applied.

Do not use realistic-looking toy guns.

Don’t forget your pets. Owners should find a safe place for dogs and cats to stay while trick-or-treaters knock and ring the doorbell.

Only dogs with good leash manners should be taken along with trick-or-treaters.

Make sure pets don’t eat Halloween decorations, which can be toxic or a choking hazard.

Enjoy! Halloween temperatures in the 60s are predicted, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.