Tonight, trick-or-treaters need to bundle up since they'll be facing the coldest Halloween in decades, weather forecasters say.
Also, countians need to be aware that some towns limit the hours children are allowed to be out trick-or-treating.
There is no curfew for trick-or-treating in Arnold, but all the cities in southern Jefferson County limit the times children may trick or treat on Halloween.
■ In Hillsboro and De Soto, trick-or-treating is allowed from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.
■ Herculaneum allows trick-or-treating from 5:30-9 p.m.
■ In Crystal City, Festus and Pevely, children may trick or treat from 6-9 p.m. Both Crystal City and Festus sound an alarm to mark the start and end of trick-or-treating in those towns.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office advises parents and children to be careful on Halloween “to ensure that this will be a safe, happy holiday for everyone,” Sheriff Glenn Boyer said.
Those who will be out driving are cautioned to watch out for trick-or-treaters, some of whom will forget to look out for vehicles.
Here are some more Halloween safety tips from the Sheriff’s Office:
■ Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk and be seen.
■ Be sure that your costume is short enough to avoid tripping.
■ It is best to make a costume out of non-flammable material.
■ Use reflective tape on your costume so people driving at night can see you.
■ If you wear a mask, take it off before crossing a street.
■ Carry a flashlight with you at all times.
■ Plan your trick-or treating route ahead of time, picking streets that are well lit.
■ Have a parent or older brother or sister go with you, or go with a group of children.
■ Only trick or treat at houses with the porch light on.
■ It’s always best to trick or treat in your own neighborhood and stop only at the houses of people you know.
■ Cross only at corners. Never cross the street between parked cars or in the middle of the block.
■ Walk on well-lit streets and stay on the sidewalk, and if there are no sidewalks, stay as far left of the roadway as possible and walk facing traffic.
■ Never go into a stranger’s home, even if you are invited in for a treat.
■ Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.
■ Parents should examine all candy before allowing their children to eat it.
■ Throw away any candy or food that is not wrapped and sealed by a candy or food company.
■ Always cut open fruit handed out as treats before eating it.
■ Notify the police if there are any suspicious treats.