The American Red Cross is offering tips to protect costumed kids as they patrol the streets for candy:

• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Plan your route and make sure adults know where children are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood.
• Make sure the trick-or-treaters have a flashlight. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
• Instead of masks which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see, use face makeup.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
• If you are welcoming ghosts and goblins, make sure your outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
• Clear your porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain your pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in your jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.

With the H1N1 sweeping through the city, however, both the Red Cross and Marion City Health Department are advising parents to put health over candy.

“Children with fevers should stay home and refrain from trick-or-treating,” Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Alvin Jackson said. “It’s also important to stay about six feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing as flu is thought to spread through the air by sick people who are coughing or sneezing.”

The Marion County Sheriff's Office will be participating in a countywide traffic detail targeting speed and alcohol related violations on Saturday as well. Deputies will be conducting extra traffic enforcement and patrol on Saturday October 31, 2009 for the area trick or treat night.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office will be patrolling all local state routes, county and township roads, and village streets for these violations and will have a zero tolerance.