In preparation for this year's trick-or-treating blitz, the local American Red Cross is asking parents to remember the "lucky 13" precautions for a safe Halloween.

"Halloween's a time when you've got a lot of kids out there, unfortunately a lot without adult supervision," said Ed Hall, health and safety director for the Mountain Valley chapter in Provo. "We do have a habit here in Utah County of getting lax."

To help prepare families, the Greater Salt Lake Area chapter has released this list of a baker's dozen tips for kids:

• Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home.

• From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights.

• Accept treats at the door and, please, don't go inside.

• When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.

• Always remember before you embark to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark. Remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms.

• Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.

• As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street. Cross from the corner.

• Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire.

• Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a safety gamble.

• You may fly on a broom or a spaceship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars. Don't hide between parked vehicles.

• Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on.

• You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

• Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you're done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Hall also recommended finding alternatives to door-to-door trick-or-treating, like "trunk-or-treat" activities organized by local churches.

"Hopefully it's a safer environment, plus it gets the kids off the street," he said. "It's so easy for someone to not see a kid walking down the side of the road."

Several local malls and shopping areas across the valley are hosting trick-or-treat events for kids on Halloween. About 40 stores in the Provo Towne Centre will be passing out candy from 6 to 9 p.m., and the University Mall in Orem will host hopeful candy-gobblers from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Downtown Business Alliance of Provo will continue its annual tradition as well, according to Executive Director Joel Wallin. Kids can drop by stores along Center Street and University Avenue from 3 to 6 p.m. They'll also be able to take pictures with Shrek and play games. For the older kids, the downtown area has arranged a ghost hunt. Clever sleuths who find all nine ghosts in downtown businesses -- Wallin recommended starting at Los Hermanos -- will be entered into a drawing for Jazz tickets, an HDTV or gifts from NuSkin.

The Macey's grocery store on State Street in Provo is getting in on the action during daytime hours. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., children from three to 12 are welcome to drop by the store for candy and pictures in front of a Halloween backdrop.

The city of Woodland Hills in south Utah County is also coordinating a public trunk-or-treat. From 6 to 7 p.m., children can to peruse the goods at Woodland Hills Park.

Last but not least, the Daily Herald is happy to host trick-or-treaters at its Provo office on Freedom Boulevard. Drop by the front desk between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a treat.

• Ace Stryker can be reached at 344-2556 or astryker@heraldextra.com.