With Halloween right around the corner, now is a good time to start preparing for a night of fun and safe trick-or-treating.

In Greene County, the communities of Bloomfield, Jasonville, Linton, and Worthington have set hours for trick-or-treating.

Bloomfield, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Jasonville, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Linton, Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Worthington, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Safety is key for those trick-or-treating this year.

“If everybody puts an effort into keeping themselves safe, then everyone has an opportunity to stay safe,” said Linton Police Chief Paul Clark. “Everyone should realize that the streets are going to be busy with foot traffic and vehicle traffic.”

The Linton Police Department provided the following tips for those who plan to take part in trick-or-treating:

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Have flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters

Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops doesn't mean others will.
Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Those hosting trick-or-treaters are reminde to:

Turn on the porch light
To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations.
Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater, or run away. Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.