GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE & FUN HALLOWEEN

TRICK OR TREATING

 The Route
  Know and plan the route your children are going to take.
  If possible go with them OR get a responsible teenager to accompany them.
  NEVER LET THEM GO ALONE
  Give them a time frame and ask them to check back as soon as they have finished the round.
  Explain 'Stranger Danger' and not to talk people they donot know. 
  Road safety and being aware of moving cars.
  Tell them not to get into any car .
  Don't cut across fields, alleys, gardens or paths that aren't on your plan.
  Carry a torch with good batteries in.
  Explain that they are NOT to go into any house in order to get a 'treat.

 Time & Contact
  Make sure someone has a watch and mobile phone so that they can get back home at the time you've asked.
  Check that you both have the correct mobile phone numbers & if possible backup contact numbers !
  Do you have to collect children from another party or Halloween event?
  Make sure someone is home for when your children return.

 TRICKS !
  Knocking ~ Everyone who likes Halloween wants to enjoy it  ~  for those who don't want to take part ~ simply apologise for troubling them and move on.
  Explain to the children that there is a difference between tricks and vandalism.
  Throwing and damaging items causes bad feeling and may be unlawful .. don't spoil Halloween.
  Don't eat sweets/candies until someone has checked they are safe.

Maybe Tricks can be forgotten !!

 Pumpkins ~ Jack 'o' Laterns
  Handle knives carefully when cutting out face designs.
  Candles ~ stand all lit candles in or surrounded by water.
  Watch for pets and their tails near candles
  Matches ~ put them away .. don't leave them in reach of children

 Costumes
  Make sure the children can see clearly through masks and sheets etc.
  Buy costumes that are flame retardent.
  Don't have naked flames on the floor where costume edges can catch light.
  Don't let children carry weapons that will cause harm to others.

 FOOD
  Let the children fill up on Party food before going out 'Trick or Treating' ~
  Hopefully then they won't eat the sweets & candies they collect and you can check that the goodies are safe to eat.

 PETS
  Dogs especially can react badly to masks and alarming noises.
  Make sure your dog is put in a room where they can't be frightened by 'festive callers.
  Don't cover your pets face & eyes if you dress them up.
  Remember human chocolate is poisonous to dogs.
  Don't leave your pets outside if you think there will be firecrackers or fireworks set off.