Halloween can be fun for the whole family, however Halloween fun should not overshadow good safety practices, especially when it comes to pedestrian safety. Here are a few tips to follow to ensure your family’s Halloween is both fun and safe.
Costumes
Giving a few minutes thought to your child’s costume can result in a safer night out trick or treating.
- Whether you buy or make your own costumes, pick materials that are bright and reflective.
- If your child’s costume is not sufficiently bright and reflective you can add reflective tape to their clothes and candy bags to make them more visible.
- Masks can decrease your child’s ability to see. As an alternative, you can use makeup, wigs, or funny hats.
- Always make sure that costume fabrics are flame resistant.
Trick-or-Treating
Halloween is a night when our neighbourhoods are flooded with young children going from house to house in the dark. Some simple extra precautions can keep them safe.
- Have them carry a flashlight or wear a glow stick.
- Young children should be accompanied by an adult or older responsible child.
- Stay in neighbourhoods you are familiar with.
- Have a plan as to where you will trick-or-treat and let other people know what your plan is.
- Agree on a place to meet if someone gets lost or separated from the group.
- All candy should be carefully inspected by an adult for any signs that it has been tampered with.
Pedestrian Safety
While most children have been taught the basics of pedestrian safety, the excitement of Halloween can result in unsafe behaviour. Stress the importance of following these safety rules.
- Never run out onto the road.
- Always cross at a crosswalk, stop sign, or traffic light.
- Carry a fully charged cell phone and know your home phone number and when it is appropriate to dial 911.
- Older children should have a known route so their approximate whereabouts are known.
- Older children should have an agreed curfew.
Homeowners
- Avoid open flames by using electric lights in your jack o’ lantern. Avoid candles.
- If you do use a candle, put your jack o’ lantern in a place where children cannot have access to it.
- Do not let your pets meet children at the door, even if they are friendly.
- Make sure that your sidewalk or driveway is clear of any objects that might be in the way for trick-or-treaters.
- Give out pre-packaged candy. Allergies can be a serious problem and are best avoided by not serving homemade treats.
Conclusion
If you and your children follow these simple tips, everyone should have a fun and safe Halloween.
This blog post was written by Edward (Ted) Masters, a member of the Disability Insurance Claims and Personal Injury teams. He can be reached at 613-566-2064 or at ted.masters@mannlawyers.com.
