Trick-or-treaters may wind up rushing even faster to get candy this Halloween, as thrills combine with wintry chills.

Wednesday’s temperatures in Macon are expected to quickly drop from 66 degrees at 6 p.m. to 54 degrees by 8 p.m., said Alex Gibbs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. Gibbs said Wednesday night may also get breezy, with wind gusts up to 15 mph.

Even mild Halloween nights feature excited children who might dart into traffic, cautions Tabitha Pugh, spokeswoman for the Warner Robins Police Department.

“Please drive extremely slowly, so if someone does dart out in front of you, you have time to stop,” she said.

The police department also recommends that parents inspect candy before children eat it, and that baked goods be accepted only from people who are trusted. Parents also should make sure they know the routes of older trick-and-treaters venturing off on their own. They should prove to their parents that they know the neighborhood.

Other safety recommendations come from the American Red Cross and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Use a flashlight to help you see, and help others see you.

• Trick-or-treat with adults or groups of kids. Children younger than 12 should have at least one adult escort.

• Look both ways before crossing the street. Walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks where available.

• Use well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes, as well as soft, short, flexible accessories such as swords.

• Avoid houses that don’t have lights on.

• Tell children not to accept candy they’re allergic to. Throw out candy that is open or damaged. Keep small pieces of candy away from younger children.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that some 41 million American children between the ages of 5 and 14 went trick-or-treating last year.

Official trick-or-treating times in Macon and across Houston County are set at 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Hours after trick-or-treating finishes, the temperature is expected to fall to 38 degrees, just 6 degrees above freezing.

To contact writer Mike Stucka, call 744-4251.