This Halloween, have a fa-boo-lous time and keep your ghouls, ghosts and goblins safe by following the below safety tips.
Costumes
- Choose bright-coloured costumes that are highly visible. Adding reflective tape to costumes further increases visibility.
- Consider sending your children with a flashlight for additional safety and increased visibility.
- When purchasing, or making costumes, look for materials and accessories that are labeled flame-resistant.
- All costume accessories – such as sticks, rods, or wands – should be soft and flexible, with no sharp edges.
- Consider using hypoallergenic make-up kits instead of masks that may impair breathing or vision.
- Be sure costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing, but not so long that they become a tripping hazard. Costumes should not be longer than your child’s ankles.
- Ensure your child is wearing adequate footwear that takes into consideration weather conditions and walking.
Trick-or-treating
- Remember: all regular pedestrian rules still apply. Be sure to cross the road at marked crosswalks, or well-lit corners only. It is safest to work your way up one side of the street, and then cross once to the other side.
- Stay away from houses that are not well lit. Do not accept rides from strangers, or enter any home you feel is unsafe.
- Let your parents know where you are going to be at all times (route) and advise them if you will be late returning.
- Golf carts, go-carts and electric scooters are not allowed on public roadways, including sidewalks.
Parents
- Be certain that young trick-or-treaters are accompanied by an adult. Older children should stay in groups.
- Pre-determine boundaries to trick-or-treat within and establish a firm time to return home.
- Advise children not to eat anything until they return home. Dispose of any items that appear to have been tampered with, or that are not properly wrapped.
Tips for homeowners
- Keep your porch lights or external security lights on.
- Keep your doors clear and accessible and avoid decorations that are flammable or can pose a tripping hazard.
- Don’t invite children inside your home.
- Only pass out commercially wrapped candy and snacks.
- Keep pets indoors as they may be easily scared by children in costumes.
Tips for drivers
- Try to make eye contact with pedestrians. Masks, costumes and other distractions can diminish a child’s view of the road.
- Avoid in-vehicle distractions such as cell phones and loud music.
- If you’re planning to party, put the keys away and ensure you have a safe ride home.
- Watch your speed in residential areas, especially near playgrounds or schools, which often serve as neighbourhood meeting spots.
- Be on the lookout for kids darting out from between parked cars.
Safety tips courtesy of Alberta Health Services and Alberta Motor Association.