Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety are encouraging parents to make sure your children trick-or-treat safely by providing a list of tips for Halloween fun.

• Rather than buying a mask, use makeup to decorate children. That way, they can see more easily.

• All young children should be supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• If your child goes trick-or-treating after dusk, make sure they have a flashlight and are wearing reflective material. • Dress children in warm, light colored clothing so that they may be easily seen when crossing the street.

Stay on sidewalks when possible.

• Cross streets with your children. Avoid letting them dart out between cars.

• Do not purchase Halloween costumes and other items that are not marked “Flameproof” or “Flame-Retardant”.

• If there are pumpkins lit on the front porch make sure your child stands 3-4 feet away to avoid their costumes from catching fire.

• Remind children to skip houses that are not well-lit.

• Never go into a stranger’s house, even if they ask you to come in while they go get some candy.

• Check candy before allowing kids to eat it. Do not let your kids eat candy as they go.

• Avoid tricks that could cause bodily injury, destroy property or cause a fire.

Firefighters would like to invite all children to attend the “Trick or Trucks” gathering at the Maple Valley Community Center on Halloween. This is a safe way for kids to trick-or-treat. For more information please call the Community Center at 425-432-1272.

Most of all, remember to call 911 in the event of an emergency.

The Maple Valley Fire Department hopes all have a safe and fun Halloween and take lots of pictures.