In a few short days, bumblebees, butterflies, dragons and dinosaurs will fill the streets. Halloween will see child after child will visit door after door with the pursuit of candy and treats on their minds.
Parents will accompany some, but for others, Halloween is an opportunity to meet up with friends to enjoy the afternoon and evening of gathering treats.
While safety may be the last thing on the minds of trick-or-treaters, it should be the first. A number of safety tips are offered by the Canadian Red Cross association.
Costumes should be light-colored and flame resistant. It is also recommended that reflective strips are used so that children are more easily seen at night.
Costumes should be short enough to ensure that children avoid tripping.
Remind children to keep away from open fires and candles. Halloween jack-o-lanterns may look really nice up close, but it is important to keep in mind that costumes can be extremely flammable.
Try to avoid using masks or things that will cover the eyes of your child and make it difficult for him or her to see. Use face paint instead if possible.
Remind children to walk on sidewalks if possible and not on the street.
Explain to children that it is safer to go along one side of the street first and then back down the other side, rather than to trick-or-treat back and forth.
Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street to check for vehicles.
Have children plan their route and share it with you and the family, especially when they are going to be going out with friends and without adult supervision.
Trick-or-treaters should travel in groups of four or five and young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
Remind children to visit homes that have the porch light on.
Set agreed-to boundaries with your children.Explain the importance of staying within them and arriving home on time.
Not only is safety on Halloween important for all of those trick-or-treaters out there, there are a number of tips out there for drivers as well. Halloween means children will be on the street and as a result, drivers need to take care.
Drive slowly through residential areas. Children are likely to be trick-or-treating. Remember that the faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop.
The excitement created by the holiday may mean that children simply forget pedestrian safety rules. Keep in mind that children wearing masks may have a more difficult time seeing.
Also, remember to enter and exit driveways slowly. Trick-or-treaters will be visiting households and going from door to door.
Halloween is meant to be enjoyed by trick-or-treaters and community members alike. Make sure that when you are out-and-about this year, you keep in mind the safety tips that will make everyone's holiday enjoyable.
