Trick or treating is a highlight of Halloween and as October 31 approaches, children look forward to donning their scariest Halloween cotumes and heading out on the quest for sweet treats.
Whilst many put plenty of thought in to spooktacular outfits, the dangers of being out and about in the dark can be forgotten. To make sure your child has a spooky and safe Halloween, keep these 10 top safety tips for trick or treating top of mind.
1. Plan your trick or treat route
Map out a trick or treating track choosing residential areas that are safe and well lit. Keep to pavements and find the safest places to cross the road.
2. Set off early for trick or treating
With the clocks going back, it will be dark by 5pm. Don't leave it later to venture out and plan to be home within the hour.
3. Be safe and seen in the dark
Add reflective accessories to bikes and outfits to help children stand out after dark.
4. Cycling at night? Use lights
If children are cycling at night the law says that bikes must be fitted with clean, working lights - white at the front and red at the back - and a rear reflector.
5. Take a torch
Stick the torch in a lantern or inside a pumpkin head for maximum creepiness combined with visibility.
6. Use Halloween costumes to stay visible in the dark
Orange stands out in dim light and so do bright white sheets, white 'bandages' and white 'bones' so dress up as a pumpkin, a zombie, a skeleton or a ghost. Face paints and fluorescent accessories will help adults and children to be seen - providing they are combined with reflective bands (remember fluorescents are only visible before sundown).
7. Children need an adult with them
Kids, take a "mummy" or any responsible grown up and make them dress up to add to the fun!
8. Stick together
Make sure all children know not to go off on a solo mission. Let them know they must always stay with friends and accompanying adult.
9. Don't forget road safety - stop, look and listen
As simple as this sounds, it can be easy to forget - especially when munching through a bag of Halloween treats. Adults and children need to remember never to cross the road while texting or using a mobile phone.
10. Be street savvy
Find even more road safety tips from The Department of Transport's child-friendly Tales Of The Road.
