Roanoke Rapids has set trick or treating hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31. Weldon will observe trick or treating from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Captain Andy Jackson of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said parents should have their children trick or treat only at houses which have porch lights on.

He also advises that costumes should not be so long to cause trip hazards and to carry flashlights or glow sticks. Parental supervision is recommended.

Bright colored costumes are recommended and if masks are worn they should not obstruct vision. Makeup and face paints are a better alternative to masks, Jackson said.

While there have been no incidents in recent years, Jackson says children should not eat their treats until inspected by parents for tampering with wrappers. Jackson said homemade treats and fruits should be closely inspected.

Jackson said there is no need to go completely inside a house to accept treats.

Jackson recommends walking on sidewalks and if there is no sidewalk to stay as close to the edge of the road as possible facing traffic.

For those putting out Jack-o-lanterns, the captain says glow sticks work just as effectively as candles and that young children should draw the faces on the pumpkins and let the adults carve them.

Motorists need to exercise caution. “There are more children getting bumped by cars at Halloween than any other time.

Accessories for costumes like swords should not have sharp edges that could endanger the trick or treater or those with them.