1. Choosing A Safe Costume:
– When deciding on halloween costumes, keep in mind that lighter and brighter colors are much safer to wear at night.
– Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers to see you.
– Wear flame-resistant costumes – remember, they could still catch fire, but at least they should be able to be extinguished quickly.
– Wear short, well-fitting, non-bulky costumes to lower the risk of trips, falls and catching on surroundings. Remember that shoes should be well-fitting and sturdy also. Costumes should be tied securely to avoid accidents.
– If you are wearing a mask, ensure vision and breathing are not restricted – consider using a make-up mask rather than a loose-fitting mask. Test costume make-up on a small area of skin first. Fully remove the make-up before bedtime or nap time to avoid skin or eye irritation.
– All costume accessories (swords, knives etc.) should be short and made of soft, flexible materials. Avoid possible eye injury – do not wear costume contact lenses.
2. Safely Decorating for Halloween:
– Make sure your entrance, including driveways, lawns, paths, stairs, porches etc. are free of potentially dangerous obstacles. Ensure any flammable decorations are a safe distance from curtains, furnishings, decorations, porches, landings, walkways and doorsteps, so that costumes or other flammable objects do not accidentally brush against the flames.
3. Which Treats to Offer:
– Consider offering healthier, low-calorie treats.
– Do not offer homemade treats, unless it is to house guests who know you. Safety-conscious parents should wisely discard homemade treats, as they have no way to know if they are safe or not to consume.
4. Trick-Or-Treating:
– Do not go alone. Younger children should always be chaperoned by a trusted adult or an older, responsible child. Always trick-or-treat in groups or with a trusted adult.
– Use a flashlight so that you can see and others can see you.
– Walk, don’t run between houses, and try to use sidewalks when possible, otherwise walk on the edge of the street facing on-coming traffic.
– Remember stranger safety – do not accept a ride from a suspicious-acting stranger.
– Remember to look both ways before crossing the street.
– Do not walk close to candle-lit jack o’lanterns, candles, torches or luminaries.
– Only visit houses of known residents who have the lights on. Do not visit dark houses.
– Do not enter homes unless you are with a trusted adult.
5. Before Eating Your Treats:
– Make sure a trusted adult examines all treats before consuming. Check for tampering and choking hazards. Discard any suspicious-looking treats.
– Eat only commercially-made treats – homemade treats could be unsafe.
– Eat your treats in moderation.
