The City of Zachary will observe Halloween on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Zachary Police Chief David McDavid encourages all drivers to be extra careful Wednesday evening and mindful of kids out trick or treating.

In addition, trick or treaters should be mindful as well of drivers, crossing the street and driveways, staying with your parents or other kids in a group and carry flashlights.

The Zachary PD will be out policing the streets on Halloween night with extra patrol in force.

Tips for ensuring your little princess doesn't turn into a witch or your little transformer into a whiny wolf:

• Feed your kids a healthy meal prior to going trick or treating. Your children will be happier, and it will help reduce the temptation of kids wanting to devour candy from the first trick or treat stop.

• Children of any age should be accompanied by a parent, if possible. Tweens or young teens who still trick or treat may resist this notion; if they trick or treat without an adult, set firm rules and require a child to carry a cell phone that can be used in the event of an emergency.

Older kids should know where they can go, what etiquette they must follow, safety rules, carry a flashlight or a lit device and have an absolute deadline for returning home.

• Insist that your child goes to the bathroom BEFORE leaving the house. Be considerate of your child's bathroom needs by not choosing a costume that is difficult to get on and off in time to avoid last-minute bathroom emergencies.

• Purchased costumes should be made of flame-retardant material. Costumes should also be suited to local weather conditions. Some parents overdress their kids so that they sweat and are uncomfortable in costumes that are very heavy or don't "breathe."

Others freeze in skimpy costumes or those made of thin material. Trick or treating is for children - comfort and safety should come before a parent's reluctance to have a child wear a coat over a costume.

• Never allow kids to eat candy before it is inspected! Any opened candy should be thrown away, and unless you personally know the families who make homemade goodies, it is recommended that you dispose of homemade treats. Immediately toss any items that are suspect in any way, and get rid of (either through donation or throwing away) any treats that your kid doesn't like.

Some parents also put away some candy and save for later or set rules allowing kids to eat all they want for a designated period, then dispose of the rest.

*Zacharytoday.com will continue to post Trick or Treating

tips prior to Halloween night. Be sure to check back regularly for updated tips!