Halloween is next Monday, October 31 and residents are reminded that the official designated trick-or-treat hours in Albany and Clinton County is set for 5 to 8 p.m.

Trick-or-treaters are urged to abide by those hours and residents who will be accepting youngsters seeking goodies that night are asked to leave their outside lights on and take precautions around their homes to make sure yards, etc. are clear of debris or obstacles that children may trip or fall on.

Also, once again the south side of the Albany square (Jefferson Street) will be hosting Boo Fest. This is a location where businesses and individuals can set up stations or booths to pass out candy to trick-or-treaters in one designated location. There is still time to reserve a spot for Boo Fest. Anyone interested may call Albany City Hall at 387-6011.

Other than the normal door-to-door trick-or-treating, several other events, especially by area churches, are held on or around Halloween, such as trunk-or-treats or indoor parties where candy is passed out and other safe places where, fun activities take place.

Some of those non-door-to-door events can be found in the Church News and Things To Do section of this week’s edition.

Once again, as seen in the downtown Albany area over the past few years, most business places have a purple ribbon on their doors In Remembrance of Aleigha Duvall, a young Albany girl who was killed in a Halloween night vehicle pedestrian accident.

The ribbon is a reminder to everyone, children and adults alike, to use precaution and practice safety during Halloween trick-or-treating times, especially in areas where both traffic and children will be intermingled.

Aleigha’s Law is also designed to encourage parents and guardians of trick-or-treat age children to use some type of reflective materials on Halloween costumes to make the child clearly visible to motorists.

It should also be noted that for the “older” children, teenagers and adults who practice “tricking” rather than “treating” by throwing eggs or other illegal activity, law enforcement will be out in force Halloween night and perpetrators who damage vehicles or property are subject to arrest and prosecution.

Motorists are also urged to use precaution while driving on Halloween night, primarily during trick-or-treat hours and in areas such as subdivisions or locations where several children will be collecting candy in the same general area. An adult should accompany all small children as they trick-or-treat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following basic safety measures that can help keep children and adults safe on Halloween.

Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating? Remember SAFE HALLOWEEN.

S–Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

A–Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

F–Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

E–Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

H–Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. “Walk” and don’t run from house to house.

A–Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

L–Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

L–Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing “decorative contact lenses.”

O–Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

W–Wear well-fitting costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

E–Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

E–Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

N–Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters as party guests?

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:

* Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.

* Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.

* Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.

* Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

* Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.