This Saturday night will see many children on the streets at dusk and after it gets dark. What can we do to make sure they are safe?
If you have children who will be trick-or-treating:
- Make sure their costumes fit well, to minimize the risk of tripping and falling.
- Also give children a flashlight to take on their walk around the neighbourhood.
- Tell children to look both ways before crossing a street, cross at crosswalks, stay on the sidewalks, and watch out for cars. Reflective tape on costumes can help drivers spot little trick-or-treaters more easily.
- Walk, don't run, between houses!
- Do your best to encourage healthy eating - put a limit on how much candy kids can eat, and fix a healthy dinner before trick or treating that includes fruits & vegetables.
- Examine your child's treats before he/she eats them to make sure they haven't been tampered with. Don't eat homemade treats unless you know the person who made them.
- Instruct children to only visit well-lit houses and to trick-or-treat in groups with a responsible adult present.
If you expect trick-or-treaters to visit your house:
- Make sure the path to your door is clear and well-lit.
- Keep jack o'lanterns and other candles away from doorsteps and walkways to minimize the chance of catching a costume on fire.
- Always keep candles out of reach of small children.
If you will be driving on Halloween night:
- Remember there will be many more children on the sidewalks and crossing the street than usual.
- Watch out for trick-or-treaters drive extra slowly and carefully this Halloween.