Trick-or-treaters are often so excited by the fun of Halloween that they forget to follow regular safety rules as they dash around the neighbourhoods.

Here are a few tips to help keep youngsters safe.

Children

• Never trick-or-treat alone. Always walk with an adult or a group of friends.
• Make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective, bright colour costumes, or fasten reflective tape to your costume or bag.
• Avoid masks that restrict your vision.
• Only visit well-lit houses.
• Don’t go into the house for your treats; always wait outside.
• Don’t eat any treats until an adult has inspected them.
• Carry a flashlight so you can see where you are going.
• Don’t criss-cross the street or run out from between parked cars. Always go down one side of the street, cross at the corner, and then go down the other side.
• Watch for cars pulling out of driveways and backing up.
• Watch for open flames from jack-o-lanterns and displays.
• Don’t trample through gardens or bushes. Always use pathways and sidewalks.

Motorists

• Halloween means there will be children on the streets. Drivers need to use extra caution. With the excitement of Halloween, children may forget simple pedestrian safety rules.
• Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick-or-treating. Reduce your speed and stay alert.
• Slow down and proceed with caution when entering and exiting driveways or backing up.

Homeowners

• Keep your home and doorway well lit. Clear sidewalks and pathways for safety.
• Avoid using open flames in any displays.

SOURCE: RCMP