It’s that time of year again when ghosts, goblins, princesses and witches will travel door to door begging for candy. As always, there are several things parents and trick-or-treaters alike can do to ensure everyone is safe.

You know the drill, someone you might or might not recognize rings the door bell and expects candy. You open the door, give it to them, comment on the costumes, they leave and the whole thing starts over again. 

"If you’re the one handing out the candy and someone knocks on the door and it’s someone that you don’t recognize or you don’t feel safe opening the door always trust your gut instinct, said Preparedness Director Nicole Holtgrefe with the American Red Cross."Make sure that you’re careful don’t let anyone in the home make sure you hand out the candy right there at the doorway so that you don’t have any problems with anyone trying to pull a trick on you."

No matter what your age is, if you’re going trick or treating, make sure it’s with a group.

"Make sure you map out your route so you give it to your parents so they feel safe and know where you’re going to be in case anything happens," Holtgrefe said.

Before you head out the door make sure people can see you. That means either wearing light clothing or if your costume is dark using some reflective tape.

More safety tips include: bringing a flashlight or glow stick, looking both ways before crossing the street, avoiding darting out between cars and staying away from other people’s pets, because even ones you know might not recognize you.

download or listen to Aurora Meyer’s story here.