Halloween Safety Tips

Costumes should be light-colored and flame resistant with reflective strips so that children are more easily seen at night.

Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping.

   

Remind children to keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.)

   

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover the eyes.

   

Remind children to walk on sidewalks - not in the street. If there is no sidewalk, walk beside the road, facing traffic so drivers can see you.

   

Explain to children that trick or treating should be made along one side of the street first and then the other, and that it's best to cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. It's unsafe to cross between parked cars or other obstacles.

   

Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and other vehicles. Never rely on traffic signals alone - use your eyes and ears to make sure it's safe to cross.

   

Provide yourself or the children with a flashlight to see better and to be better seen.

   

Have children plan their route and share it with you and the family.

   

Trick or Treaters should travel in groups of four or five.  Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

   

Visit homes that have the porch light on.

   

Make sure children know they should accept treats at the door and must not get into cars or enter the homes or apartments of strangers.

   

Remind children not to eat their treats and goodies until they are examined by an adult at home.  And candy should not be eaten if the package is already opened. If it looks suspicious, the police should be contacted. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

   

Set agreed-to boundaries with your children.  Explain the importance of staying within them and arriving home on time. Children should trick or treat in one well-known area and not wander into unknown neighborhoods.

Drivers should drive slowly in residential neighbourhoods, reduce distractions and stay alert. Concentration should be on the road, not diverted by cell phones or loud music.

Halloween Safety Tips were found at www.redcross.ca.