SANDPOINT ­— Halloween is a highly anticipated night for the country’s youngsters, but also one of the most dangerous.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, on average, twice was many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to any other day of the year, and more than 70 percent of accidents occur away from an intersection or crosswalk.

“These are scary statistics, but by taking a few simple precautions, you an ensure ghosts and goblins of all ages have a safe and fun-filled Halloween,” said Michael Gow, president of Selkirk Firefighters Local 2319.

This Halloween, Selkirk Fire suggests these safety tips to keep your trick-or-treaters safe:

- Stay visible. Bring flashlights, glow sticks and reflective goodie bags and add reflective tape to costumes.

- Stay on the sidewalk and off the road when going house to house. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far to the side as possible.

- Cross all street corners using traffic signals or use well-lite, marked crosswalks and never cross the road between parked cars.

- Don’t assume the right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.

- Children under 12 years old should trick-or-treat with, and cross streets with, an adult.

“Halloween is one of the busiest days of the year for firefighters,” Gow said. “Following these basic safety precautions can help prevent injuries and save lives.”

Please call 911 for the help of your local firefighters or in the case of a fire or emergency, Gow said.

“Selkirk Firefighters wish you a happy and safe Halloween,” he added.