With Hallowe'en approaching, I thought it would be a good time to remind parents about safety measures for their child(ren). Some of it may seem redundant, and over blown, but our children's safety should be foremost in our minds in times like these!
When selecting costumes, please remember
Visibility: both for your child, and drivers of vehicles.
- Costumes with masks can reduce your child's ability to see other people or vehicles.
- Costumes that are bright, and reflective, are better able to help drivers see children running about. If the costume your child has selected is not bright, consider putting reflective tape on it.
Safety:
- If your child's costume requires props, ensure they are soft plastic, and do not look real.
- Select costumes that are flame resistant.
- Costumes should be able to fit over snowsuits, to keep your child warm!
- Ensure your child knows the safety laws required in your area (cross at crosswalks, not run across the street)
- Discuss Stranger Danger with your children (don't go into homes, or into cars of/with strangers)
- Ensure each of your children has an ID bracelet incase your get separated (including name, home address, and phone number).
Trick or Treating:
- Ensure children have a good and healthy meal before going out trick or treating. This should reduce over indulgence and tummy aches!
- Go over safety rules before going out
Stay as a group,
Don't run across the roads,
Stick to the sidewalks (not cut across lawns),
Stay in well lit areas,
Go to homes with porch lights on,
- Have a responsible person go with children or a group of children. Ensure this person has a working flashlight and watch. This person should discuss with parents the route they are taking and approximate time they will return with the child(ren).
- With more and more food allergies present, candy or other type of treats are becoming life threatening. Consider buying food alternatives such as party grab bag items (rings/toys/pencils/...). These are healthy and fun!
- Remind children not to eat their candy while they are out. Although food/treat tampering is rare, adults should check candy, pop, (or other foods that were handed out), for tampering or that may look suspicious. Do not allow your child to consume treats that have been already opened, look suspicious or spoiled (passed the expiry date). Report to the police any packages that may have been tampered with.
Living in a small town, most of our children will travel to bigger communities for Trick or Treating, so drive carefully, and have a fun, safe and happy Hallowe'en!
