Trick-or-treaters have only four more days until Halloween, and local law enforcement has suggested a few safety tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe evening.

In an effort to keep the attention of the youngest students at Bovina Elementary School while speaking on Halloween safety, Sheriff Martin Pace carved a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern for the students.

He instructed the kindergarteners through second graders to wear light colored clothing when trick-or-treating.

“I always say for those who allow their children to trick-or-treat to always wear light colored clothing. Never cloak children or allow them to wear a mask that could restrict their vision,” Pace said.

He even had two of the students stand up, to show the difference between light and dark colored clothing.

Pace also stressed the importance of not zig-zagging across the street.

“Go house to house on the same side of the street,” he said, before crossing to the other side of the street.

“This will allow you to minimize the time spent in the street,” he said.

Another important issue he told the kids was to not eat their Halloween candy before they returned home.

“The hardest thing I am going to ask you to do is wait until you get home before you eat your candy. Don’t be eating candy as you walk down the street. Get home and dump it out so your parents can make sure all of it is safe,” he said.

Police Chief Walter Armstrong reiterated many of the same tips as Pace, but added it is very important for the motoring public to look out for the kids.

“Watch out for the little ones who will be out in the street. Be vigilant,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong and Pace both said parents or an adult should accompany younger children while they are trick-or-treating.

“Parents need to go with kids or send a responsible teenager or adult. Kids should never be alone,” Armstrong said.

Children should never go to a stranger’s house, Armstrong said.

During Pace’s presentation at the school, one of the students asked Pace what one should do if you get separated from your group.

“If there is a policeman or deputy sheriff around, go to them and let them know you are lost,” Pace said, but added “don’t get in the car with someone you don’t know.”

Trick-or-treating will be observed in Vicksburg from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. The Outlets at Vicksburg will have its annual mall-wide trick or treat event from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at participating stores in the Outlet Mall.

Halloween safety tips are spelled out on a CDC website. 

S — Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

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

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

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

H — Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

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

L — Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

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

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

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

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

E — Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

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