Keep your princesses and pirates safe while they trick or treat with these Halloween safety tips
The spookiest night of the year is quickly approaching and your little ghosts, goblins and zombies will be going out trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treaters can be so excited by the fun of Halloween that they forget to follow safety rules when they’re out the door.
Safety should always come first so make sure to read these Halloween safety tips before the vampires and princesses head out to score copious amounts of candy:
1. Don’t Treat or Treat Alone
Kids should always go with an adult or a group of friends. “Young children must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. We recommend that older kids travel in groups,” says Staff Sergeant Chris Boddy from the Toronto Police Service.
2. Wear Proper Costumes
Kids should wear properly fitted costumes that are bright and non-flammable. Wigs and costumes are highly flammable; ditch the candles on the front porch or in your jack-o-lantern for glow sticks instead.
On dark coloured costumes, use reflective tape on kids’ costume or back so they can be seen in the dark. Watch out for long flowing capes or dresses as children may easily trip.
3. Don’t Wear Masks
Use face make-up instead of a mask but test the make-up first to avoid skin irritation. “If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough so that he or she can see through,” says Sgt. Boddy. When walking, make sure your kids push the mask up on their heads so they can see properly.
4. Watch the Road
Remind your kids to only use the sidewalks and never walk on the road. According to Safe Kids USA, children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween than any other night of the year.
Drivers must be extra vigilant on Halloween night and drive slowly in residential areas – a child could dart out onto road at any moment. “Children may be preoccupied with the trick-or-treating and may not be paying attention to the rules of the road,” says Sgt. Boddy. “Keep vehicle speeds at or below the posted limits, and scan the road for children attempting to cross streets mid-block.”
Remind your kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible. October 31st is the most dangerous night of the year for youngsters walking on American roadways according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
5. No Texting
For older kids, make sure they are not using their cell phones while trick-or-treating. “The use of electronic devices such as headphones and texting should be avoided as these result in distractions, particularly when crossing the street,” says Sgt. Boddy.
For older kids heading out with friends, plan a route close to home in advance and give them a curfew. Make sure they read these tips and more Halloween safety tips before going out on Halloween night.
Stay safe and have a Happy Halloween!
