Children disguised as ghosts and ghouls, superheroes and fairytales will knock on doors Tuesday night expecting sweet treats incelebration of Halloween.

But are they safe?

Brookhaven Police Chief Pap Henderson and Lincoln County SheriffSteve Rushing believe they can be – if parents will take a fewextra precautions.

“We really want the parents to be very careful, and have thechildren wear bright clothing if possible so they can be seen moreeasily,” Henderson said. “We are also asking drivers and citizensto very careful and alert.”

Rushing agreed, saying what worried him most about Halloween wasthe number of children and motorists sharing the streets.

“There are usually a good number of kids out and about andpeople should be aware of any kids in the roadway,” he said.

Fortunately, Rushing said, most trick or treaters in the countydon’t go door-to-door. Instead, they travel by vehicle to thehouses of friends and family.

Henderson said that is not a bad concept for city trick ortreaters, either.

“I personally appreciate the way parents bring their children invehicles. I just think it’s safer,” he said.

There have been no problems of any kind in Brookhaven in thepast associated with the holiday, Henderson said.

But in some areas, mostly urban, some people have used theholiday’s origin and reputation as an “evil” night to inflict pain,and even death, on children.

In some cities, unwrapped candy has been found embedded withrazor blades, drugs, poison or repulsive substances.

“I do trust people in Brookhaven, but it’s still best if parentscheck the items the kids get – just to be on the safe side,”Henderson said.

Perhaps the best tip concerning treats, the chief said, is “whenin doubt, throw it out.”

Rushing agreed.

“Parents should check their kids’ candy,” he said. “We’re notaware of anything new out there this year, but it always pays to becareful.”

The officials also urge parents to remember that it will getdark an hour earlier than people are used to with Daylight SavingsTime taking effect Sunday.

“It’ll be getting darker earlier, so we hope that (parents)bring them in at a reasonable hour,” Henderson said.

Other tips for parents include:

* Children under 12 should be supervised and escorted by anadult or older, responsible youth;

* Parents should know the trick-or-treating route their childrenintend to take;

* Inform their children to stop only at houses or apartmentbuildings that are well-lit and to never enter a stranger’shome;

* Establish a return time;

* Forbid children from eating any treat until they return homeand the treats can be inspected; and

* Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address and phonenumber inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from thegroup.

Costuming tips provided by the National Safety Councilinclude:

* Costumes should be made with bright colors, or dark costumesshould have strips of reflective tape placed on them to helpmotorists see the children after dark;

* Only fire-retardant materials should be used;

* They should be loose so warm clothing can be worn underneath;and

* Masks should not be worn that obstruct a child’s vision. Usefacial make-up instead.