It’s that time of year again, Halloween! With all the excitement that surrounds the holiday, kids and teenagers alike tend to let their guard down. With the amount of people out and about, it’s important to remain on high alert.

For those trick or treating this year, be vigilant and make wise decisions.

For starters, make sure to know what houses on are the National Sex Offender Registry, especially if you are taking your little siblings trick-or-treating.

Safety in numbers: Traveling in groups is far safer than going solo.

Check your candy. Although it’s a known rule, doing so decreases the risk of coming into contact with harmful substances (such as drugs or razor blades).

For teenagers who plan on attending some Halloween parties, here are some tips on how to keep yourself safe.

Have a plan of action: Know how you are going to get home if something goes wrong.

Watch your drinks

Keep an eye on your friends

Be extra cautious when driving. Halloween is a holiday that includes many opportunities to drink, so make sure to drive carefully and responsibly.

The number one piece of advice is to be aware of your surroundings. Although Halloween is a night of fun, don’t let it distract you from making wise decisions.