The swine flu concerns are coming just as the Halloween season approaches.

In addition to the normal precautions...the Parkersburg Police Department reccommends parents and trick or treaters alike take steps to make sure they don't spread the flu virus.

They include keeping plenty of hand sanitizer on hand for both the trick or treaters and people passing out the goodies on halloween night.

Another is...keeping kids home if they show flu-like symptoms.

"Make sure they wash their hands...and, if you have people coughing, make sure you stay out of the area they're in," says Capt. Keith Roberts of the Parkersburg Police Department. "If you have a child with a temperature, there's always next year for trick or treat. Keep them home, make sure they're all right. Their health is the number one thing."

The other precautions still apply as well...including having kids go from house to house only in well-lit areas...and checking treats afterward to make sure they're safe to eat.

Here are some other tips for keeping trick or treaters safe:

-Dress trick or treaters according to the weather; costumes should not be too thick (during warm weather) or thin (if it's cold); and should be flame-retardant

-Avoid costumes covering the eyes and nose, which affect ability to see and to breathe

-Have a responsible older person (parent, adult or teenager) accompany a child or children, and make sure the child stays with them

-Trick or treat only in well-lit and familiar areas; stay out of alleys; go only to homes you know

-Use a flashlight or a glow stick to make you visible to yourself and others

-To motorists: be aware of kids running between cars and across the street