Keep your children safe this Halloween

But while out trick or treating, children and parents should be wary of the dangers of walking the streets at night.

Here are a few safety tips to ensure your children still have fun:

* Accompany your children if you do not think they are old enough to trick or treat on their own.

* If you feel that your children are old enough to trick or treat without the supervision of an adult, tell them to stay in a group.

* Designate a route before your children begin trick or treating and make sure they stick to it.

* Have your children trick or treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short cuts through parks and parking areas.

* Ensure your children only visit houses with lights on. And you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on display.

* Make sure your children do not go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the gate.

* Dress your children in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your children wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or torch.

* It goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your children’s costumes are not so long that they can trip over them.

* Instead of masks, have your children wear make-up so they can see better.

* Check your childrens’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.

* Tell your children to never accept a lift or go anywhere with a stranger.

* Encourage your children to follow all the regular rules for walking around. These include looking both ways before crossing the street, obeying all traffic laws and using pedestrian crossings and crossing lights where available.

* Finally, make sure your children have lots of fun and get lots and lots of candy.