Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be a lot of fun for all ages…but can also be dangerous if we don’t take some simple precautions to keep our kids (and ourselves) safe.  Below are a few safety tips to help you and your family enjoy a safe and fun-filled Halloween! 

Trick-or-Treaters: 

• Ensure trick-or-treaters are visible at night! Pick a light-coloured costume if possible. Add reflective material to costumes (available at fabric or craft stores).  Glow sticks are an inexpensive way to increase visibility and can be found at most dollar stores.  Always bring a flashlight trick or treating (most smartphones are equipped with a flashlight function or app).
• Consider using face paint instead of a mask.  Masks can impair visibility.
• Ensure costumes fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes, capes that are too long, or bulky additions to costumes.  
• Consider putting your child’s name and a contact phone number on the costume in case you get separated.
• When planning a trick-or-treat route stick to areas you are familiar with.  Ensure your route is well lit and preferably has sidewalks and crosswalks.
• When out trick-or-treating, stick to one side of the street, and then cross once at a crosswalk if possible.
• Some candy presents a choking hazard to small children, so parents should be vigilant.
• Do not eat any treats until inspected by an adult. 

Homeowners:

• Keep your home well lit, including driveways, pathways and porches.  Ensure that all pathways are clear of debris, including fall hazards like wet leaves.

Motorist:

• Be extra vigilant and slow down.  Trick-or-treaters may be too excited to obey the rules of the road, so be prepared for unpredictable behaviour.

Attending a social event?

• The safest ride home is the one we plan for.  Ensure you have a safe ride home with a sober driver.
• If you choose to use recreational or illicit drugs, ensure you never use alone – have a sober friend with you who can call 911 in case of emergency. 

Firework Safety:

• ALWAYS read the instructions first!!! This is extremely important!
• Only sober and responsible adults should handle fireworks.
• Only light one firework at a time and never handle fireworks that have been lit.
• Ensure you wear protective eye glasses and gloves. 
• Limit use of baggy clothes and keep hair away from fire sources.  Ensure you are not wearing any flammable material (including your costume).

And remember to watch out for monsters, witches and vampires!