The members of Bethel Ambulance Service are launching the first annual Halloween Safety Program, and will be distributing glow sticks and necklaces to trick-or-treaters on Friday, Oct. 31 at the children’s parade. The purpose of the program is to inform children and parents of some helpful safety tips.

The BAS members are looking for ways to help keep the children in the community safe. “With Halloween coming on a Friday this year, we felt there could be a higher number of children out seeking goodies, and we wanted to do our part to make them more visible to motorists in the area. Trick-or-treating is intended to be a fun event for kids, and we are hoping to help keep it that way,” the release said.

Following are five tips from the Bethel Ambulance Service:

1) Plot out a map of safe neighborhoods for trick-or-treating.

Let older children take the map with them if they’re trick-or-treating on their own.

Know where your kids are, where they are going, and whose houses they will be visiting.

Escort younger children to the houses they are visiting.

2) Stick reflective tape on dark costumes—it will help drivers see you.

And make sure your kids can see clearly.

Face paint may work better than a mask when it comes to visibility.

3) Pick a perfect pumpkin for carving.

It should be sturdy, not soft, with a flat bottom so it doesn’t topple over.

You can also encourage your kids to paint creative faces on their pumpkins instead of carving.

4) Consider using a glow stick or battery-powered lights instead of candles to light the way for trick-or-treating or in jack-o-lanterns, especially around little kids who could get burned or drapery that could catch fire.

5) Screen treats before kids eat them. Toss out anything with opened or damaged wrappers and don’t eat homemade treats unless given by someone you personally know and trust.