Dunlaps Dungeon (copy)

Photo is from Dunlaps Dungeon at the Z Venue. Their haunted house will run from 7 to 9:30 p.m Halloween night. (Madison O鈥橦ara/ 足交视频 Advocate)

All Hallow鈥檚 Eve is supposed to be a thrilling, fun night filled with both tricks and treats for the young and old. But there are some dangers lurking out there in the dark of which area residents should be leery.

While razor blades in apples and posioned candy or more myths than anything, it鈥檚 still a good idea to check your child鈥檚 Halloween candy. Make sure all candy is properly wrapped and sealed and avoid eating homemade treats.

It鈥檚 important to remember some general rules of thumb when it comes to door-to-door trick-or-treating in your neighborhood. Parents are advised to take their children only to homes that are illuminated. Make sure to only take one piece from the candy bowl (looking at you parents) and accompany younger children up to the door.

When giving out candy on Halloween, make sure your house is well lit and remove any tripping hazards such as electrical cords or Halloween decorations.

When walking through the neighborhood, make sure to go out in groups and use the buddy system so that no one is alone. Decide on a route and stick to it especially if older children are out trick-or-treating by themselves. Walk in familiar neighborhoods, avoiding dark alleys.

Bring a flashlight for better visibility for drivers on the road and to avoid tripping hazards. Make sure to stay on the sidewalk at all times, if possible, and do not run out into the street. Only cross the road at crosswalks or when safe to do so with a parent.

Drivers especially need to be careful when driving through dark neighborhoods at night. Stay alert for pedestrians and as always, avoid texting and driving. Slow down, especially in neighborhoods and around driveways. Keep your headlights on at all times.

A great costume can get you more candy when out trick-or-treating, but it鈥檚 also important to make sure your costume is safe. Consider wearing bright colors or adding reflective tape to costume so that children are more visible.

It鈥檚 also a good idea to avoid wearing masks that might obscure your vision and stay away from long costumes that can become a tripping hazard. Parents, make sure to purchase fire-resistant costumes, wigs and props and non-toxic makeup that can be removed at the end of night. No one wants to go back to work or school with their faces stained green.

For pet owners, make sure your pets are secured for both their safety and the safety of trick-or-treats. Halloween can be scary for pets with bright lights and loud noises. Keep jack-o-lanterns with candles, glow sticks, batteries and candy out of reach from your pets.

If old-fashioned door-to-door trick-or-treating isn鈥檛 your style, there are still plenty of trunk-or-treats to take the little ones out to. If you鈥檙e in for a good scare, there鈥檚 a couple of haunted houses to check out!

VICTORIA

Story Party: Spook-Tacular

足交视频 Public Library

Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Wear your costume and enjoy a monster craft and themed snacks.

Zoo Boo

The Texas Zoo

12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Enjoy trick-or-treating among the animals at the zoo with festive booths.

Booseum

Children鈥檚 Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members

Enjoy indoor trick-or-treating, crafts, games and vendor booths. There will also be a costume contest with prizes.

American Legion hosts Halloween Trunk or Treat

American Legion Post 166

From 5 to 7 p.m.

Get your face painted and enjoy trick-or-treating with a fall photo set and balloon art.

MalloWeen

The 足交视频 Mall

Starts a 6 p.m.

Trick-or-treat and shop till you drop at the mall.

No Tricks, Just Treats

Florecitas Floral and More

From 6 to 8 p.m.

Grab free snow cones, popcorn and pickles.

Halloween Party

Peter Piper Pizza

From 5 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy free candy, a costume contest, prizes and games

Dunlaps Dungeon

Z Venue (next to Mr. Gatti鈥檚 Pizza)

7 to 9:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 at the door, cash only

Check out this haunted house put on by West High School鈥檚 Theatre Department and see a theatrical performance.

Haunted Hall

Galvan Community Hall (3077 S. Ben Wilson St.)

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Come and get scared at the University of Houston-足交视频鈥檚 haunted house, hosted by UHV鈥檚 Student Life Activities Board.

Halloween Haunted Tours

6th Realm Haus

From 6 to 11 p.m.

Enjoy a haunted tour and grab some candy and take some pictures with their 12 foot skeletons.

CUERO

Trunk-or-Treat

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Around DeWitt County Courthouse

Trick-or-treat around the historic courthouse building.

Rain or shine, enjoy Halloween night and make sure to stay safe.

Madison can be reached by email at mohara@vicad.com.

Madison works at the 足交视频 Advocate as a multi-media journalist. She was born and raised here in 足交视频.