Roads and sidewalks will come alive with ghosts, goblins and witches on Thursday evening as children of all ages celebrate Halloween trick or treating.

There is good news for the little spirits who will spend the evening darting from home to home in search of candy. The forecast is for a clear, cold Halloween night. Even so, local law enforcement officials are urging parents and children to follow some basic safety rules.

“Our roads are very dark, even on clear evenings, and kids in dark costumes are difficult for motorists to see,” Island County Sheriff Mike Hawley said this week. “Kids should be well lit, carry a flashlight and have reflective tape on costumes. Also, make sure children can see through their masks.”

As in previous years, Langley is the favorite destination of South Whidbey trick or treaters. Drawn by the city’s sidewalks and sheer number of well-stocked candy stops, Langley is an active place on Halloween. Langley Police Chief Bob Herzberg said Tuesday his officers will be out to keep things safe.

“The best way to keep kids safe on the streets is to park the car and walk with them from house to house,” Herzberg said. “With so many kids running around the streets in the evening it’s not safe to be driving around the neighborhoods. Get out and walk with your children.”

If parents do wait in the car, Herzberg said, they should turn off the headlights so they don’t blind oncoming motorists.

But safety concerns don’t end once the kids are off the street. Herzberg and Hawley agree parents should inspect candy brought home after a night of fun.

“If there is any question about whether there has been tampering, parents can contact us. We want kids to have a safe and sane Halloween,” Hawley said.

Both said there have not been any cases of dangerous tricking on South Whidbey in recent years, and both say they hope it will stay that way.

“About the only thing we see is a little egging and toilet papering of houses,” Hawley said.