The top 10 tips for a safe Halloween
(produced in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)

The best way to celebrate Halloween is at a home-based party. However, if you do plan to go trick or treating, please follow these guidelines and enjoy yourself while respecting other people's privacy.

Trick or treaters...

1) Always ensure that there is adequate adult supervision -- never trick or treat alone. We suggest one adult for every three children. Adults -- make a regular headcount of trick or treaters.

2) Plan a local route and stick to it (preferably, contact householders for permission beforehand). Walk on the pavement and only cross the road at well lit, safe places. Do not go into poorly lit areas. Young children should hold an adult's hand near roads.

3) Always carry a torch so that you can be seen in the dark -- you can always hold this under your chin for a scary look.

4) Take care with your costume -- costumes should be large enough so that warm clothes can be worn underneath and should be flame-retardant. Do not run while wearing a costume. Shoes should be comfortable and fit well -- even if they don't match the costume. Incorporate reflective material in a costume to make the wearer more visible in the dark.

5) Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house. If masks or hoods obstruct a child's vision, use face paints instead. If an adult is in costume, do not drive while wearing a mask or hood.

6) Do not carry weapons or other props -- this will intimidate householders
and passersby.

7) Do not cut across lawns or parks as there may be hidden objects.

8) Only visit houses with Halloween decorations such as a carved pumpkin in
the window -- not everyone will welcome trick or treaters, so please respect
their views.

9) Do not enter homes of strangers -- only accept treats in the doorway and thank the householder for the treat. And do not give them a trick.

10) Ask an adult to check the treats before eating them -- you may be allergic!

The six safety tips for householders...

1) Put a Halloween decoration in your window if you are happy for trick or treaters to visit you.

2) Leave on an external light to enable trick or treaters to approach your door without accident.

3) Take care when lighting pumpkins -- ensure that curtains and other flammable materials are tied back.

4) Keep any treats near your front door for security -- and don't invite any trick or treaters into your home unless you know them.

5) Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats in case of allergies.

6) Report any unsupervised or unruly group of trick or treaters to the police.