Safer Trick or Treating
Do you worry about your kids being safe while they make the rounds for masses of sugary treats? Stay safe this Halloween with these easy tips!…
Here’s some easy tips for parents to keep kids safe:
Costume Advice:
- use face paint, not masks – masks can limit the field of vision and cause tripping or other accidents
- For extra visibility to drivers, place reflective tape along the back of your child’s costume, and choose a bright colour overall
- Be sure to keep costume accessories safe – blunt swords and foam wands are much less likely to cause your child, or someone else’s any permanent damage
- Make sure you choose a “flame-resistant” costume – there are many more items around Halloween than usual that produce flames
- Attach your child’s name, number, and address to the inside of their costume and make sure they know where it is. Review what to do if they should get lost and fail to find the meeting spot. ie: Find an adult, have them call you, don’t enter anyone’s house.
Things to Bring:
- bring a flashlight for yourself and each child – you may also want to equip everyone with whistles as an emergency measure
- make sure to designate a meeting spot if you do get split up – it should be a familiar, well lit location
- a map – plan your route in advance – print out your map, and highlight and go over the route with your kids
- Take water bottles if you will be walking a long way, and possibly a thermos of tea or hot chocolate if the weather is colder
- pack a jacket, and make sure everyone’s wearing long johns and gloves if it’s below zero.
Safety:
- review car safety if you are walking in busy areas or along a rural route without sidewalks or streetlights
- remind children to watch out for extension cords, smoke machines, and other items that may not usually be present in the neighbourhood
- pair everyone up – this will help out if you have a large group; also, be sure to place one adult at the front and rear of a large group of children to make sure everyone’s accounted for. Frequent head counts are a must.
- If fireworks or firecrackers are available in your area, teach your children proper safety measures when around them. No one wants to be a future “youtube fail”
- Be sure to remind children not to enter stranger’s houses without an adult
- For older children who are going together without an adult, set a curfew, and if you feel you need it, ask them to check in with you periodically by calling from their cell
- Remind them to not use MP3 players or cell phones when they are walking, as these items can impair hearing
- Be sure not to leave jack-o-lantern candles unattended – or use electric candles or flashlights instead
- After everyone returns, have each child dump their candy bag and sort out any badly wrapped items for the trash
Tips for adults:
- consider having a small stash of items for diabetic children such as erasers, stickers, small figurines, whistles, or yo-yos
- make sure to stay with your young child while they trick-or-treat
- also check the ICBC site for tips on how to prevent accidents if you are driving
Do you have any tips to make this Halloween a safe one? Are you going out or staying in this year? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to add me on Google+, and like
