Halloween Safety: Play it safe

We all know halloween is an exciting time for kids and parents, but it’s also a time to follow important safety tips to ensure a happy and safe day for everyone.

Costumes – is yours safe?

• Choose costumes and accessories that are “flame-resistant”.
• Size it right. Costumes need to be loose enough to be worn over warm clothing but cannot be so baggy that it can become in contact with candles
• Avoid costumes with scarves/boas/strings around neck
• Incorporate reflective tape
• Instead of a mask, try make-up or face paint instead for easy breathing and visibility for your child
• Opt for hypoallergenic make up

Trick or Treating

• Throw away any candy that is not wrapped or easily identifiable
• Wash hands before opening candy
• Use caution around fruit – It’s up to you if you want to allow your child or family to keep these treats. If in doubt throw it away
• Remove choking hazards (gum, hard candies) from small children
• Read labels before allowing your children to eat treats, as they may have certain allergies that the treat may contain
• When trick-or-treating, accompany children until they are old enough to go by themselves or with their friends.

Tips for kids – be safe

• Don’t eat treats until inspected by parents
• Stay in well-lit areas and visit homes that have their outside lights turned on.
• Never go inside homes or cars
• Walk, don’t run, from house to house and stay on the sidewalk whenever possible
• Cross the road at the corner and look both ways before crossing the road.
• Don’t go to homes by yourself, always be accompanied