Trick-or-treaters will be hitting the roads Friday night, and local police are recommending that anyone who is going door-to-door practice several safety tips.

One of the main things Clanton Police Chief James Henderson is asking residents to do is wear light colored clothing.

“Drivers will be able to see you if you are wearing lighter clothes, especially at night,” he said. “You also need to visit the homes where you know the owners. It should make it safer.”

Henderson recommends that parents accompany their children as they walk down the streets. Instead of crossing the street going from house to house, Henderson added everyone should visit every house on one side of the street before going to the other side.

“They also need to be cautious going from house to house, by parked cars and crossing the road,” he said. “Look both ways before you cross.”

The City of Clanton doesn’t have a set day or time for trick-or-treating. Most of the time, it is set up by individual subdivisions. Henderson said neighborhoods usually do trick-or-treating between about 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Clanton doesn’t see as many children get out on the streets for Halloween as in the past. Henderson said many churches and other organizations hold fall festivals and trunk-or-treat events.

“I think that’s taken some of them away from going door-to-door,” Henderson said.

After going trick-or-treating, parents will need to check all of the candy to make sure it is safe.

“We just want everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween,” he said.

– Brent Maze can be reached at brent.maze@clantonadvertiser.com.