As many trick-or-treaters are making last-minute preparations to costumes, local and state agencies are reminding everyone to stay safe this Halloween.

Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell said trick-or-treaters in Chilton County will be out on Thursday during the hours of 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Stilwell said CPD reminds those planning to be out during Halloween to not wear costumes that limit visibility, only stay in familiar areas, don’t wear masks going into stores or banks, have a light or reflective material to be visible to motorists and have parents inspect the candy before children consume.

“We encourage all drivers in residential neighborhoods to drive with caution, don’t let your young children run at large without supervision, cross the streets at intersections and crosswalks, use sidewalks, and go to houses with porch lights on,” Stilwell said. “Parents should know their kids’ route and kids should not go inside an unknown home to get candy but stay outside.”

Stilwell said CPD will also have trick-or-treating at the police department Thursday night.

The Alabama Red Cross also provided safety tips including:

•Look for flame-resistant costumes.

•Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight or have everyone wear light-colored clothing in order to be seen.

•Instead of masks, which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, consider using face paint.

•Walk only on sidewalks and avoid streets. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Children should also look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at a corner.

•Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Avoid crossing between parked cars.

•Be cautious around pets and any other animals.

For those who will be welcoming trick-or-treaters, the Red Cross advises to make sure the outdoor light is on, sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps, clear the porch or front yard of any obstacle that a child could trip over, restrain any household pets and use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

Some different activities going on throughout the county this Halloween include:

•Hopewell Baptist Church of Clanton on Hopewell Drive will have a Hallelujah Festival from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday. The event will include free food, games, prizes, moon bounce, popcorn and more. Everyone is invited.

•“Heroes Unmasked” will be held at Zion Ridge Church of God on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. The event is for all ages. Attendees may come dressed as their favorite Bible characters to enter a costume contest. For more information, call (205) 755-1937.

•Glad Tidings Church of God will hold a Trunk or Treat Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to bring their children and enjoy treats and free hot dogs.

•First Baptist Church in Thorsby will have a fall festival Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be a moonwalk, slide, games, prizes, drawings, candy and free hot dogs. The festival will be on the softball field next to the old Thorsby School building. For more information, call (205) 646-3970.

•Senior Connection of Chilton County will have a birthday party, with Halloween dress Thursday. Guest speaker will be Dr. Irwin.

•Preschool students from Clanton First Baptist Church’s program will be parading through the Chilton County Courthouse in costumes Wednesday from 9-10 a.m.

•A Harvest Festival will be held on Thursday at Friendship Baptist Church of Clanton from 6-9 p.m. The church is located at 204 Friendship Road in Clanton. The festival is free and open to the public.

•“Adopt or Treat” will be held Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Chilton County Humane Society. Free candy and games with prizes will be available. Donations are appreciated. Tours of the shelter will be held, and animals will be available for adoption. For more information, call (205) 755-9170.

The weather forecast for Thursday night in Chilton County shows a 60 percent chance of rain for most of the evening.