This is the week that all your ghouls, goblins and trick-or-treaters will be out and about enjoying the spirit of Halloween! Let’s take a look at some simple safety tips so that your whole family can enjoy the treats, costumes, and activities ahead.
Below are a few potential hazards to be aware of and tips to help you keep the whole family safe:
Costumes. We are sure that the children (and maybe even the adults) in your house are excited to show off their costume this year. Here are a few tips to keep everything safe:
Stay fire safe.
Look for costumes and accessories that are labeled flame-resistant, and remember that flame-resistant does not mean fire-proof. Nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best. Costumes with flowing skirts and capes, baggy sleeves, beards, wigs, wings, and tails can all be hazards around candles or flames.
Be visible. Pick brightly colored costumes or add reflective tape so that everyone can be clearly seen by motorists.
Test for allergies. Since our children don’t often wear make-up or face paint, it’s a good idea to do a test run with any products that you plan to use. Your child may be sensitive or allergic to something in the cosmetics that you wouldn’t be aware of. Even products labeled as “hypoallergenic” can still cause allergic reactions.
Check the fit. If the costume includes a mask, make sure it fits properly and allows your child to see and breathe easily.
Keep props safe. Ensure that toy weapons and similar accessories are made of soft or flexible material. Hard or rigid costume accessories can cause accidents.
DECORATIONS
Whether you have a scary yard filled with ghouls and graveyards or a front step covered in festive jack-o-lanterns, there are ways to keep them safe and sound.
Paint a pumpkin. Some smaller children will not be as agile as needed to carve a traditional jack-o-lantern. To avoid injuries, let smaller children draw a face or design on the pumpkin and then have an adult carve it. You could also use paint to draw a design on the outside of the pumpkin with no cutting required at all.
Be fire safe. Candles, jack-o-lanterns, lighters, and matches are all fire hazards. Place candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains and other flammable objects, and do not leave them unattended. A small flashlight or battery-operated candle can also be used to light your jack-o-lantern.
Light the way. Check indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Do not overload extension cords and keep walkways clear of cords. It’s not TRIP and treating.
Before trick-or-treaters start to visit your house, be sure to remove objects that could cause children to trip or fall and turn on your outdoor lights to increase visibility and let trick-or-treaters know they can visit.
TRICK OR TREATING
It’s time for the main event! With so many excited children out in the streets on Halloween night, it’s important to make sure that everyone is having fun and staying safe.
Be seen. Give each child a flashlight to carry, to make them more visible to motorists and others.
Stay where there is light. Tell your children to stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on.
No jaywalking. Teach your children to cross streets at the corner, and never cross between parked cars.
Look for the Teal Pumpkin Project. If your children have any allergies be on the lookout for the Teal Pumpkin Project. These identify homes that offer non-food treats as an alternative to candy. More information HERE.
Search through the candy. Always examine the treats and toys that are brought home before giving them to your children. Throw away any candy that isn’t properly sealed or that you cannot identify. And, if you take a few of your favourites for yourself, we won’t judge!
Halloween is a great time for family fun. By taking a few precautions, you and your little goblins will have a safe night.