Halloween Safety Tips

Trick-or-treaters:

• Wear makeup instead of a mask. This will allow you to see and be aware of everything going on around you while walking house to house.
• Wear reflective clothing.
• Make sure your costume does not drag on the ground so you don’t trip.
• Wear comfortable shoes, even if they don’t go with your costume.
• It is safer to carry flexible props (e.g. magic wands, swords).
• Wear a watch that you can read in the dark.
• Stay in familiar neighbourhoods.
• Carry a flashlight so you can see where you are going.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Do not cut across yards or driveways.
• Stay away from pets you don’t know.
• Obey traffic signals and give traffic the right of way.
• Trick-or-treat in groups.
• Only approach houses that have the outside lights turned on.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

Parents:

• Do not let children handle sharp utensils, such as knives, to carve a pumpkin. A way that children can participate in carving the pumpkin is to let them draw the face, and let the adult carve it.
• Clear your front entrance of any items that trick-or-treaters may trip on.
• Ensure that your child eats dinner before setting out.
• Discuss with your children what they should do to call home in case of emergency.
• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
• If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.
• If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame retardant material.
• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.
• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything. Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.
• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.