MADISON, Wis. -- The American Red Cross is echoing state and national health leaders by warning member of the public that they need to be aware and informed on what they can do to keep their families safe from H1N1 flu virus -- even during the annual Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating.

Emily Fish and her mother were found at Mallatt's Pharmacy on Monroe Street in Madison on Wednesday evening going over the final touches for her mermaid princess costume.

Kathleen Fish, Emily;s mother, said safety for her little one while trick-or-treating is her top priority.

"Speeding cars, dark streets, and kids going out alone," Fish said, are her major concerns.

But what's not on the mind of many parents, this holiday is the H1N1 flu and the possible spread of the virus during this fun family activity.

"We're really trying to get people to keep their communities healthy," said Ann Taff of the American Red Cross Badger Chapter.

The Red Cross is offering several tricks to parents to keep their little ghouls and ghosts healthy.

"If you're planning on handing out candy from your home, hand out the candy from a scoop, rather than the hand-to-hand contact," Taff said. "And then, of course, we're advising families and kids bring along hand sanitizer and use that often while they're trick-or-treating."

They said likely the best thing people can do to stop the spread of the so-called swine flu is to keep their children home if they're sick. It might not be fun for them, but it's the best way to keep everyone healthy.

Emily's mother said she recommends having a plan just in case.

"I think you need to have a negotiation plan in place," Fish said. "And if you're a duel-parent household, make sure both parents are on board!"

Officials said that if people are going to a party like Freakfest, where tens of thousands of people will gather on State Street in Madison, the germs can spread fast. The American Red Cross said avoiding a person who is coughing or sneezing. They said a person is sick is best to just stay home.