Red Cross offers Halloween safety tips

As ghosts, pirates and princesses prepare to descend on neighborhoods across the Southland on Halloween night, the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles offers parents some safety tips to help plan for their children’s candy hunt.

Their "Lucky 14" safety tips may help parents with their trick-or-treaters before they venture into the neighborhood. Ensuring your child understands these safety tips may prevent emergencies.

"Lucky 14 Safety Tips’’

•Plan your route and share it with family and friends. If possible have a parent drive you through the route the day before and have an adult accompany you.

•Use face paint rather than masks or things that may cover your eyes.

•Only cross the street at corners.

•Look both ways before crossing the street to check for moving cards, trucks and goblins.

•Do not hide or cross the street between parked cars.

•Use the sidewalk to walk, slither or sneak.

•Ensure you have a flashlight to light your way.

•Visit homes that have a porch light on.

•Keep away from open fires and candles. Costumes can be extremely flammable.

•Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

•Be aware of strangers and animals. Pets may become alarmed with costumes and masks.

•Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. Never eat candy if the package is already opened.

•Do not run and eat candy; small hard pieces are a choking hazard for anyone.

•Learn CPR and first aid; call the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles at (800) 627-7000 or your local chapter.