Seven tips for Halloween safety

For young children, Halloween night is one of the best of the year. But trick-or-treating can be dangerous if kids and parents aren’t careful.

Trick-or-treating tips

1. Plan a route in advance. If you are walking, consider the age of your child and keep the route an appropriate length.
2. Wear comfy shoes. Make sure you and your children are in comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Avoid heels and make sure shoelaces are double-tied to avoid tripping in the dark.
3. Stay well-lit. Carry a flashlight. Apply reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark products to costumes. Use glow pendants, necklaces and bracelets to be more visible to drivers.
4. Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground. After purchasing your child’s costume, hem or use fabric tape to avoid tripping on long costumes.
5. Wear non-toxic make-up. Masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use face paint or make-up to complete the costume. Always test make-up in a small area first to check for skin irritation.
6. Use flexible props. If your child’s costume won’t be complete without a weapon, make sure it is rubber or plastic. Choose a prop that won’t cause injury to your child or friends.
7. Check your child’s candy. Sort through your child’s candy. Throw away any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks as though it has been opened.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!