County and city law enforcement agencies will utilize extra patrols in an effort to ensure public safety on Halloween.

While the aim of the holiday is candy-coated fun, there are a few steps that parents can take to help make this Halloween fun and safe for their little ghost and ghouls, officials said.

Capt. Lonnie Berry of the Portales police offered the following tips:

• First and foremost make sure the child’s costume fits them properly. It is important that the child’s vision and movement not be compromised by the outfit.

• Attaching reflective strips or glow sticks to the costumes that have dark color schemes. The darker colors can make it difficult for drivers to see the children as they cross the road.

• Children should stay in well lit areas and not visit homes with no lights on. A house with an unlit porch light might suggest the resident is not participating in the holiday.

• Parents should make sure that the candy is properly sealed or wrapped before allowing children to eat them.

“If your kid receives a piece of candy without a wrapper, it is best just to throw that piece away,” Berry said.

Roosevelt County Sheriff Darren Hooker said children should always stay in groups or with their parents.

“Never wonder off alone,” Hooker said. “Children should stay with your parents or in a group at all times.”

It can be a nice and safe holiday if parents and their children use cautious and sound judgment, Berry said.

“Parents and children should observe the normal traffic rules during this holiday,” Berry said. “Cross the streets at the end of the block and always check traffic before you venture out into the street.”

Halloween Events

Thursday

Haunted House — 6-9:30 p.m. Portales Recreation Center, corner of 18th Street and Avenue I. Admission $3.

Sigma Chi Haunted House — 9 p.m.-midnight, 600 W. First St. Admission $3.

Friday

Haunted House — 6-9:30 p.m. Portales Recreation Center, corner of 18th Street and Avenue I. Admission $3.

Harvest Festival — Trinity Family Center, 601 S. Ave. B. Games, candy, food. Free.

Haunted House — 7 p.m.-midnight, ENMU Music Building. Admission $5.

Sigma Chi Haunted House — 9 p.m.-3 a.m., 600 W. First St. Admission $3.

Fall Festival — 6-8 p.m. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 524 N. Globe, for children up to sixth grade.

Rockin’ for Lance — 6-10 p.m. Benefit concert for Lance Fletcher, Do Drop In, 221 S. Ave. A. Admission $3.

Halloween Extreme — 5-8 p.m. Memorial Building, sponsored by First Baptist Church. Free.

Trunk or Treat — 4:30 p.m. Third and Kilgore Church of Christ. All ages welcome. Free.

Fall Harvest Carnival — 6-8 p.m. Central Christian Church, 1528 S. Main St. Free.

Fall Harvest Festival — 6-8 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 1101 W. 18th St., for children through sixth grade. Free.