Keeping your family safe this Halloween, suggestions from local law enforcement and pediatrician

Halloween celebrations are just hours away! Trick-or-treating can be fun for families, but it can also be a dangerous time.

One threat to families is trick-or-treating in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Local law enforcement urges families to know their surroundings tonight. “Know your location,” said Ben Guitron from the Indio Police Department. “It’s always best to trick-or-treat where you live because you’re familiar with it.” Another important suggestion is to ensure your cell phone is fully charged when you head out tonight. That way, you can call for help if needed.

Guitron also suggests bringing flashlights or glow sticks while you trick-or-treat. Children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night than at any other time of the year, according to the organization Safe Kids USA. You want to ensure that your child is visible to oncoming traffic. If you're driving tonight, be mindful of pedestrians.

Pediatrician Rebecca Ward warns of choking hazards. She says young children aged 2 to 4 are at the highest risk because hard candy and gummy candies can be difficult for those children to swallow.

Ward also urges parents to dress their children in safe costumes. “Masks reduce visibility, and kids might not be aware of this. It's always good to check for nonflammable fabric. And with anything too loose or long, there could be a tripping hazard.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information about safety this Halloween.