As the rain settles in over Western Washington, the nights get darker and the blustery winds blow, parents should be prepared for those conditions as well as be aware of general precautions to take as their youngsters get ready to trick or treat this Halloween.

Kyle Ohashi, spokesman for Fire District 37 which serves Covington, had a list of tips to offer families as they put the final touches on their plans for Saturday night.

• Take children out early before it gets fully dark to make them more visible.

• Have kids wear bright or reflective clothing/costumes.

• Always take flashlights to light your way and to make you more visible.

• A responsible adult should always accompany children as they trick-or-treat.

• Only go to homes of people you know and trust.

• Parents should always check the contents of their children’s treat bags before allowing kids to eat anything.

• Never allow your kids to eat any home-made items in their bag unless you trust the source.

• Only allow your kids to eat items that have a wrapper that is intact.

Firefighters will also be out and about to help keep kids safe.

“We’ll have engine companies out during the evening handing out flashing lights that the kids can attach to their costumes to make them more visible,” Ohashi said.

In addition, from 6-10 p.m. they will be at Solid Rock Community Church at Timberlane Community Center, 19300 S.E. 267th St. in Covington.

Maple Valley Police Chief Michelle Bennett offered tips to keep everyone safe at home.

Keep houses safe for trick or treaters by removing anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. Also check outdoor lights and replaced burnt out bulbs, sweep wet leaves away from sidewalks and steps and be sure to restrain pets so they do not startle or bite a trick or treater.

Bennett has more tips for adults.

• Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions

• Make sure you set a time they should be home. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time.

• Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun, but they need to know the other side of the coin as well. Clean up and damages can ruin Halloween.

• Explain to your children animal cruelty is not acceptable. Youths may know this on their own, but peer pressure can be a bad thing. Make sure that they know that harming animals is not only morally wrong, but punishable by law and will not be tolerated.

• Teach children how to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost.