At the beginning of every October, most of us have already begun thinking about the end of October. Halloween is such a fun occasion for people young and old. With the always-exciting activity of trick-or-treating looming, lovers of the spooky annual tradition are preparing their costumes (and their stomachs for an influx of sugary treats). It’s essential, however, that we practice the old age adage of “safety first”.
It’s always vital that we certify the safety of our children year-round. However, when Halloween arrives, be sure to practice the following safety tips to ensure that it is a sweet experience for all.
Be attentive to traffic.
Trick-or-treaters excitedly scamper from house to house on the evening of the 31st. It is of extreme importance that they, along with their chaperones, be very mindful of traffic. Drivers, of course, are cautioned to look out for trick-or-treaters. But, it’s a two-way street (pun intended). It’s important that candy-seekers navigate streets carefully.
CARFAX Canada reminds trick-or-treaters to use the sidewalks and avoid crossing the street from behind parked cars. “If you can’t see the car coming, they can’t see you,” warns their website, “Always cross where it’s safe like at a crosswalk or stop sign…If there are sidewalks on the street you’re on, stick to them. If there aren’t any, then walk on the left side of the road where you’re facing traffic.”
Opt for makeup/face paint over a mask.
Unquestionably, a huge part of the Halloween fun is donning spooky costumes. Encourage your children to incorporate makeup/face paint into their get-ups over masks. Masks impede vision. Most often, the eye-holes in masks aren’t large enough to allow for peripheral vision. To ensure a safe Halloween experience, it’s best that your young trick-or-treaters don’t have anything blocking their views of any traffic or tripping hazards.
There are many mask-free costumes to choose from. Speaking of which, it’s best to go with one that is easy to see. “Kids also need to be seen on Halloween, so it’s a good idea to wear or carry something that glows in the dark,” advises KidsHealth.org, “You might choose a glowing necklace, a glow-in-the-dark treat bag, or a flashlight. Your parents also can put reflective tape on your costume.”
Use fake candles instead of real ones.
As you’re surely aware, first responders are kept busy year-round. Halloween, as you can imagine, calls for heightened security. Play it safe. Instead of placing a real candle in your jack-o-lantern, opt for a glow stick or battery-operated candle instead. Not only will it keep your creatively designed pumpkin lit for longer, it will ensure that you have completely avoided a potential fire hazard.
Check all candy before eating it.
This is a Halloween tradition that should never be overlooked. Firstly, is it important to inspect bags full of candy for anything potentially dangerous (sharp objects, unwrapped candy etc.). Secondly, it’s critical to prevent your children from consuming anything they may be allergic to. Be sure to read all labels carefully. Only give your children treats that have ingredients listed on them. Especially if your child has allergies, it’s best to stay away from candy with “many contain” warnings.
No matter the time of year, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with first aid techniques. At SOS First Aid, we offer a number of First Aid and CPR training courses. They include Children’s Safety Training, which is offered by our sister company, SOS 4 Kids. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-844-9813. You may also email us at [email protected].
