With Halloween upon us, it is a good time to review some of those safety tips so everyone has a good time on Monday night.
The Ontario Provincial Police has released a list of dos and don'ts, including maintaining visibility on darkened streets and avoiding a fire in your home.
With some travelling to neighbourhoods with more children, the OPP ask drivers to slow down on residential streets where kids are more likely to be trick-or-treating. Some may be very excited and might not pay as close attention to the rules of the road, while others may be wearing costumes that make it hard to see.
As for costumes, police recommend using face paint instead of masks. It's important children can see, and a mask may obstruct their view. Costumes should fit properly so children don't trip and brightly coloured so drivers can easily spot them. If you're afraid that might destroy the aesthetic effect, consider incorporating reflective material or tape on the front or back of the costume.
Start trick-or-treating early before it gets dark, follow a designated route, and remember, young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
It may be tempting to snack on the way, but police urge children to wait until an adult has inspected the candy.
Talk to your children about Halloween safety and the importance of travelling in groups. If you have a cell phone, take it with you, and only visit well-lit houses. Never enter the home or car of a stranger.
Homeowners should remove anything from their yard or porch that a child could trip on, and although candles may add a spookier glow to your jack-o-lantern, use a flashlight or battery-operated candle instead. Candles are a fire hazard.