Halloween is a time of fun and festivity, a time for costumes and getting more candy and treats in one night than you would probably get for the rest of the year.

Added foot traffic to city streets on a dark night can lead to disaster if not properly monitored. Local police officers will be out in force on Saturday to ensure safe traffic flow for trick-or-treaters, but are asking that the public — namely parents — help in these efforts.

“ You can help by staying in the populated residential areas and back streets; also have your child to wear bright colors,” said Linden police chief Scott McClure. “Another great idea is a flashlight or a glow stick for them to carry.”

“We encourage children to go trick-or-treating from 5 to 9 p.m. at the latest,” said Demopolis police chief Tommie Reese.

“We want everybody to have fun trick-or-treating, and we want them to do it safely. Don’t eat candy before you get home; let your parents check it. If your parents aren’t with you, watch yourself crossing the streets. Where light clothing if you wear a costume.”

Trick-or-treaters should walk with parents or in groups and should go to familiar houses or neighborhoods. To help garner more loot and promote safety, Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital is providing light-reflective bags for trick-or-treaters to put their candy in. The bags are available on the table inside the main entrance. If none is available, contact Chrissy Brooker at 287-2626 during business hours.

Reese added that the police will be out watching for vandals or others who want attack other people’s property.

“There will be zero tolerance for rolling people’s yards, pranks and vandalism,” he said. “Any juveniles who destroy property, throw eggs, roll yards and so forth will be handed over to juvenile court. The police department will be out in full force to make sure the city is safe.”

McClure echoes Reese’s sentiments.

“I’m sure there will also be a few older kids out to have their fun on this night also,” McClure said. “I would like to inform these children and the parents of these children that damage to property or injury to any person will not be tolerated by this department. Anyone who is caught destroying property or causing injury to persons will be arrested and prosecuted by the law.”

McClure said the Linden PD will have all hands on deck Saturday.

“My department will be out in full force during these nights to insure the safety of the citizens and their property,” he said. “If my department can assist you in any way, do not hesitate to call.”