Last-minute safety advice for ghouls and ghosties

There's little danger -- we think -- of the zombie apocalypse, discussed in today's Preview edition, occurring in time for tonight's trick-or-treat activities.

But there is shure to be plenty of spooky traffic along Norris Avenue and other prime sweet-spots in McCook.

Before sending the kids on their rounds, consider the following safety tips from the American Red Cross:

* Look for flame-resistant costumes.

* Plan the Trick-or-Treat route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.

* Make sure the Trick-or-Treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing in order to be seen.

* Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door -- never go inside.

* Instead of masks, which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, consider using face paint.

* Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at the corner. Don't cut across yards or use alleys. Don't cross between parked cars.

* Be cautious around pets and any other animals.

If you expect trick-or-treaters, make your home a safe place to visit:

* make sure the outdoor light is on.

* Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.

* Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.

* Restrain any household pets.

* Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

Before doing anything else, if you have a smart phone, consider downloading the free American Red Cross First Aid App. It can provide expert advice for every day emergencies whenever and where ever you need it.

Features include:

* Step-by-step instructions on how to handle the most common first aid situations;

* Videos and animations that make the skills easy to learn;

* Safety and preparedness tips; and

* Quizzes that users can take to earn badges which they can share with their friends on social media.

It's available on the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for American Red Cross or by visiting redcross.org/mobile appls