How to Make Sure Your Kids Stay Safe this Halloween

Halloween is a Holiday associated with costumes, fun and copious amounts of sugar. At this time of year children dress up and go from door to door collecting candy from the neighbours, but before you let your kids out this year make sure they are thinking safety first.

The sad truth is that children are injured or killed around Halloween because of a lack of adult supervision and thoughts of safety. Here are some steps you should follow to make sure this Halloween is fun and safe and free from injury.

1. Halloween safety tips for parents

- Help keep the kids safe by clearing your porches, pavements and lawns from items little ones could trip over in the dark.

- Switch on porch lights to help children see more easily.

- When your kids bring home candies inspect them before letting the children eat them.

- If you are driving be extra vigilant and look out for children crossing the road.

- Take care when buying costumes and make sure that they are flame retardant.

- If the kids are going out in the neighbourhood buy costumes that are bright and reflective.

- Try and avoid masks as these can be difficult to see out of, use face paints instead.

- If you have small children think about taking them to an organised trick or treating event at the local mall instead of taking to the streets.

- Only children over the age of 12 should be allowed to go trick or treating without adult supervision. If they insist on going out alone make sure they follow the teen's safety tips.

2. Halloween safety tips for children

- If there is no adult supervising you make sure you go out with a group of friends. Never knock on doors if you are by yourself.

- Only visit well-lit houses and make sure you stay on the porch; there is no reason for you to go inside any house.

- While it's tempting, you must avoid eating any of the candies you receive until your parents have had a chance to check them out.

- Carry a cell phone with you in case of an emergency.

- Agree with your parents where you will be trick or treating and stick to the plan.

- Stay on the pavements and take care when crossing the road especially if your costume is dark.

- If you must cross the road make sure you do so where it is clear, do not cross between parked cars.

Following these tips will help make sure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween.