THE SPOOKIEST EVENT OFTHE YEAR We’ve got it covered.

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HALLOWEEN? To ensure the blood and nasty surprises are purely of the fi ctitious kind this Halloween, we’ve put together tips for staying safe in the home and out Trick or Treating.

CANDLE SAFETYTealights can be one of the biggest house fi re culprits, so take extra care to:

• Always use a suitable heat resistant container for your tealight and place on a stable surface

• Never place candles near curtains, carpets, fabrics or furniture or in draughts

• Always keep candles out of reach of pets and children

• Never place candles close together, allow at least 10cm between them

• Always check candles are put out properly

• Never leave candles unattended.

PUMPKIN SAFETYHere are some tips for creating a spooky pumpkin for your party or to display in your window:

• Carve your pumpkin in a well lit area on a fl at surface

• Draw your pattern on your pumpkin fi rst

• Use a specially designed pumpkin tool, not a sharp knife

• Use a battery operated tealight instead of a real fl ame.

TRICK OR TREAT SAFELYWe’d never want to dampen the excitement for children but it’s worth reminding them of the following:

• Always carry a torch or glowstick and wear something refl ective or bright

• Never knock at houses displaying ‘No Trick or Treat’ signs

• Always pre-plan your route and tell an adult where you’re going and what time you’ll be back

• Never enter a stranger’s house or car

• Always check treats before you eat them, ensure the packaging hasn’t been tampered with

• Never wear something that restricts your vision. Face paint is better than a mask

• Always be considerate – only call at homes displaying a pumpkin or lantern.

If you live alone and are concerned about Trick or Treaters knocking on your door, or have over-excitable pets, here’s some things you can do to keep calm and safe:

• If you’re worried about answering the door to groups of children or teenagers put a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign on your door

• If you do answer the door be polite and don’t forget children will often have an adult with them so they’re unlikely to be up to mischief

• If your pet gets over-excited at the sound of the doorbell, ask them to sit then reward them with a treat when the doorbell goes. After a few rings they’ll get the message

• Be sure to keep any chocolate for the Trick or Treaters away from dogs, it’s poisonous to them.