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A trick-or-treat safety plan for families
Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October this year, so expect busy streets and an early start. A bit of planning before you head out keeps the night about costumes and sweets.
Make sure drivers can see them
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests reflective tape on costumes and treat bags, and a torch for every child and every grown-up walking with them. Go for face paint rather than a mask, which can block a child's view, and check the costume isn't long enough to trip over.
Agree on the route
Decide which streets you're doing before you set off, and what time you're heading home. Stick to well-lit houses in neighbourhoods you know, and pick a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
Crossing roads
Excited kids dart out. Keep to the pavement, cross at proper crossings, and hold little hands. If you're driving that evening, take residential streets slowly.
Older kids out with friends
If they're going without you, agree on the ground rules first. They go as a group, never on their own, with a charged phone. They only knock where the lights are on, and they never go inside anyone's house. Settle on check-in times and how they're getting home, and remind them of your family code word.
Checking the sweets
Go through them at home before anyone starts eating, and throw out anything unwrapped or opened. If your child has food allergies, look out for teal pumpkins. They're part of the Teal Pumpkin Project from Food Allergy Research and Education, and they mean the house is giving out non-food treats.
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Halloween night plan
Costumes drivers can see, your route and home-by time, rules for older kids, and checking the sweets.
Mya'Shield's SOS button lets a child send you an alert without having to speak or be seen.