Halloween is a very fun and exciting day for children (and adults!) of all ages! In the middle of all of the excitement it's important to keep safety in mind when planning costumes, decorations and especially when trick or treating.
Here are some safety tips from Health Canada that will make sure your family has a very safe, fun and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
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- Motorists: SLOW DOWN! Remember that children will be out on Halloween night. Please take extra care when driving and keep an eye out for them.
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- Weather on the west coast can be very cold and wet! Make sure your child’s costume is baggy enough to be worn over warm clothing.
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- Houses will have jack-o-lanterns lit with candles. Flammable materials, flowing skirts, baggy sleeves and over-sized costumes can all be hazards around these open flames. Look for costumes and accessories that are labeled “Flame Resistant”, but remember that doesn’t mean fire-proof.
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- Have your kids wear brightly colour costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add reflective tape and/or give your child a flashlight to increase visibility.
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- Use face paint instead of masks if possible. Improperly fitted masks can block your child’s vision or breathing.
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- Go trick or treating with your kids until they are old enough to go with a friend or group. When they are old enough to go with their own friends make sure you know and plan the routes they are taking. For those kids in the ‘in between’ ages, follow along at a distance behind them.
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- Make sure you tell your children to walk, not run from house to house, and to look both ways before crossing the street, always crossing at a corner or crosswalk.
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- Remind your children to only visit well-lit homes and to never go inside of homes or cars.
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- Tell your children to not eat any candy or goodies until you have inspected them. Throw out any treats that are not commercially wrapped or that have loose or torn wrappers. If you suspect tampering of any of the treats, alert the police.
