AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding all Texans of steps they can take to stay safe this Halloween as part of its Keeping Texas Families Safe initiative.

“Keeping Texas families safe starts with awareness and action,” said Homeland Security Division Chief Gerald Brown. “This Halloween, let’s be prepared, stay aware and help ensure every Texan can enjoy the season safely.”

As part of the initiative, the DPS encourages Texans to take the following steps:

Safe Firearm Storage

Safely store firearms locked in a cabinet or safe. Practicing safe gun storage protects children, prevents accidents and keeps guns out of the hands of criminals. Those having Halloween gatherings in their home are encouraged to act now. Texans can download a safe storage checklist and find the right storage option with help from DPS’ Safe Storage Campaign by visiting com.

Fentanyl Awareness

Know the dangers of fentanyl. Victims of fentanyl poisoning often do not know that a pill or substance they bought online or received at a party is laced with the deadly drug. Fentanyl can even be disguised as candy. Remember, just ONE PILL laced with 2 milligrams of fentanyl can take someone’s life.

Texans can download the iWatchTexas app on their mobile device and report suspicious activity in schools and communities. Reports take less than five minutes and help law enforcement stop life-threatening attacks before they happen. Tips can be reported via the website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential.

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Ensure costumes are bright and reflective by adding reflective tape to darker costumes to help drivers see trick-or-treaters at night.

Use face paint instead of masks that could obstruct vision.

Walk on sidewalks and utilize crosswalks.

Carry glow sticks, flashlights or wearable lights to increase overall visibility.

Use soft and flexible accessories, such as pirate swords or wands, that are not sharp.

Have a prearranged meet up location in case the group is separated.

Travel with adult supervision and stay in familiar neighborhoods.

Discuss the importance of only visiting well-lit houses and never entering a stranger’s home or car for candy.

Make sure children know the phone number of an adult and how to call 911 in case they become lost.

After trick-or-treating, take all goodies home for an adult to inspect before eating, and never consume any items that do not have a wrapper.

Know the neighborhood; visit the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry, which includes a map of where the registered sex offenders reside in a given area.

Following simple safety tips can go a long way in making Halloween safer for everyone, but everyone must do their part. According to the non-profit Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween as any other night of the year.

“Sometimes it’s the smallest compromises that lead to the biggest consequences,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “This Halloween remember to plan a sober ride, put the phone away and slow down for pedestrians— especially children. A few mindful choices behind the wheel can make all the difference in keeping our families and communities safe – it can save a life.”

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers

Do not drink and drive. Make alternate plans if one consumes alcohol.

Be aware as a driver – do not assume children are paying attention to the vehicle.

Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it is the law.

Slow down; with the number of children walking the streets on Halloween, reducing one’s speed is necessary.

Use caution when driving through neighborhoods and other trick-or-treat locations.

Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.

If using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so one can keep their eyes on the road.

Drive defensively, as Halloween can have additional challenges.

Originally published on ktbs.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.