This Wednesday, October 31, children around the world (along with their families) will step into home-crafted costumes and embark on a most anticipated trick-or-treat journey! As decorative pillow cases and jack-o-lantern pails are topped up with a variety of sweets, parents should remind their children that Halloween is the only circumstance where it is acceptable to receive treats from strangers.
While the trick or treat festivities are the focus on this day, Halloween can also present several dangers. Before children make their way through dark and spooky neighbourhoods, we are sharing 10 Halloween Safety Tips to help best prepare for the evening.
Tips for Trick-or-Treaters & Parents:
- Remain Visible
Ensure all children and adults are accompanied by a flashlight and/or costumes and clothing include reflective tape. - Travel in a Group
Always travel in groups and ensure there are always at least 3 people with you . Gather your group’s contact information along with their names and home addresses in case a member becomes separated. - Dress Appropriately
Help children dress warmly and ensure their costumes fit properly to avoid any tripping hazards. They will also need to wear appropriate footwear. Adults should also wear warm jackets, appropriate footwear and a reflective vest.
- Know your Trick-or-Treat Route
Communicate your Halloween route to your group members. Be sure to explain which areas are off limits and how to get in contact with the group should anyone get lost. - Emergency Contact
List your home address and contact number on your child’s costume. Ensure your child knows how to get a hold of their point of contact should they need to.
Tips for Homeowners:
- Effective Lighting
Turn on your outdoor lights especially in the front entrance to help create a clear and well-lit path for trick-or-treaters. - Consider Children with Food Allergies
Unfortunately, a number of children have food allergies. Consider having other items on hand such as stickers and small toys to hand out in addition to candy. - Pumpkins
Use alternative lighting like flashlights or battery-operated candles to use inside of pumpkins rather than lighted candles. - Create a Clear Path
Remove items from your yard, driveway, porch, staircase and front entrance that may be an obstruction to eager trick-or-treaters. If you’re able to do so, park your vehicle inside the garage. - Pets at Home
Strange noises can make for a frightening night for furry loved ones. Give your pet a safe room with food, water and toys that is away from the front door, as the constant ringing of the doorbell and people showing up can scare your pet.
Whether you are spending Halloween night at home or accompanying your children, please do keep these simple and helpful tips in mind.
Happy Halloween!