Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!

There are many risks associated with the tradition of 'trick-or-treating'. Here are some helpful tips to help keep everyone safe:

For parents:

• Create or purchase costumes made from light-coloured materials.

• Avoid were possible, plastic and synthetic fabrics that can easily catch fire.
• Attach strips of reflective tape to both the front and back of costumes, enhancing visibility for drivers.
• Dress your child appropriately for the weather and consider adding extra layers if necessary.

If your child is going out without an adult:

• Make sure your child is part of a group of at least three.
• Provide them with a torch and if available, a charged mobile phone.
• Discuss the agreed route they should follow and instruct them to contact you if they intend to go a different way.
• Whenever possible, avoid crossing main roads and railway crossings.

For children:

• Don't go to houses that are really dark, and never go into a stranger's house.
• Avoid going to houses where older or vulnerable people live, as they might not like Halloween as much as you do!
• Try to visit the homes of your friends, family, or nearby neighbours.
• Watch out for candles near doorsteps.
• If your costume catches fire, remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL.

For homeowners:

• Turn on outdoor lights and replace any bulbs that are not working.
• Remove things from your driveway or porch that could make a child trip.
• Clear away wet leaves from your steps and driveway.
• Use things like torches, LED lights, or battery-operated candles instead of real candles for your decorations.
• Some kids have allergies, so think about offering treats like stickers, pens or stamps.
• If you don't want to take part in trick-or-treating, you can put a polite note/poster on your door, like this one from Humberside Police:

Download the poster:

For drivers:

• Be careful when you see small groups of people walking on the pavement and near places where they might cross the road.
• Drive to road conditions and speed limits.
• Slow down in neighbourhoods where there might be groups of people, sometimes wearing dark clothes, crossing the road.