Tonight, the highways and byways will be filled with children celebrating Hallowe'en. As always, many of them will be unaware of the inherent dangers as they go about their trick-or-treating, so here are some guidelines for parents and others responsible for the children's safety, as well as the children themselves.

Costume safety tips: Wear flame retardant costumes, and ensure they are short enough so the wearer doesn't trip or fall over in them. Apply reflective tape. Avoid cumbersome masks, or ones which are too big as they can slip and impair the child's vision. Use non-toxic make-up instead. Wear comfortable, practical shoes, and double-tie shoelaces to prevent tripping. Keep all costume and wigs away from candles.

Make sure fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories are flexible and can't harm anyone.

Trick-or-Treating tips: Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark. Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Carry a spare Hallowe'en bag — in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.

Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. If walking on the street is unavoidable, do so facing oncoming traffic. Beware of blind corners. Always watch for cars backing up or turning. Don't accept rides from strangers.

Trick or treat in groups in familiar neighbourhoods. Children should be accompanied by an adult or a responsible, older teen. Plan their route ahead of time, and ensure someone at home knows what this will be. Set a specific time for children to be home by, and ensure that they have a watch and can read it.

If taking a cellphone, always keep it hidden. Do not take dogs on leads with you. Only visit well lit houses, and don't stop at dark ones. Don't enter any house unless you know the people. Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals, and don't tease or taunt them. Don't cut across private yards, and stay out of backyards or unlit areas. Respect other people and their property. Be polite and say 'Thank you' for your treats.

Tips for home owners/occupants: Be careful about letting unidentified strangers into your home. Check the feet of the costumed. If they're not children's feet, don't let them in unless you know for sure who they are. Women should ensure there is a man in the house, or at least several friends, when greeting trick-or-treaters.

If this isn't possible, consider leaving a basket of goodies outside the door with a 'Help Yourself' note. Leave outside lights on. If possible, move the car/motorbike to an inconspicuous area. Ensure your immediate environment is safe. If you don't want trick-or-treaters, turn off lights which signal you're at home, or spend the evening elsewhere.

Hallowe'en treats: Trick-or -treaters should be wary of what they eat and drink. Do not eat take-away treats along the way. Instead, take everything home and inspect it all in a proper light. Check fruit, cake, cookies for hidden objects, such as razor blades or straight pins. If anything looks remotely suspicious, dump it.

Family pets: Keep cats and dogs inside from dusk. Costumed revellers can be very frightening to pets, and dogs are apt to react unfavourably to strangers entering their property.