colourful costumes and masks or painted faces, they set forth to "haunt'' friends and neighbours to the familiar cry, "Trick or treat.'' From the days when Hallowe'en was innocent fun, certain dangers face today's children as they go on their fun-filled way: motorised vehicles, busy roads, unfriendly dogs, nefarious strangers, older children who may bully the younger ones into giving up their treats, and even suspect treats themselves.

Of course, the safest way to celebrate Hallowe'en is with a party at home, but since trick or treating has its own magic, Taste offers some guidelines on making tomorrow night a happy and safe occasion for all.

Costumes: Be sure the child is able to move freely in the costume, and that it is short enough so that he or she doesn't trip. Check face masks for safety.

Masks should fit the face properly and allow the wearer to breathe freely and have good visibility. Painted faces, of course, are safest.

Treats: Unfortunately, cookies and candy with foreign objects embedded in them are not unknown, so make sure your children understand they are not to eat any treats they receive until they are brought home for examination. Inspect everything closely for signs of tampering. Cut open fruit and soft candy before letting children eat it.

Moving about: Small children should be accompanied by a responsible adult when they go trick or treating. Encourage everyone to carry a flashlight and have a reflective patch on their costumes. Older children should travel in groups.

Children should remain firmly on the doorsteps of homes unknown to them.

Ignore the house where a dog is loose in the yard. Use sidewalks whenever possible, and where no sidewalks exist, walk single file facing oncoming traffic. Take special care on blind bends. Look carefully before crossing the street, and wait until it is clear. Don't jump out at or otherwise try to "scare'' passing motorists. This could cause an accident.

Homeowners: Leave yard lights on. Tie up the dog, or put it inside. Hallowe'en costumes can be frightening to an animal, and cause it to react out of character. Keeping an animal under control is as much for its protection as yours and the trick or treaters. Be careful where you put lighted candles.

Make sure they are firmly supported and away from draughts. Don't burn candles near curtains or flammable decorations, and keep them well away from Hallowe'en costumes and party games.