Trick or Treat! Halloween is most children’s favourite festivity. Costumes, candy, scary but fun displays, going out at night and being with their friends…what’s not to like?! It’s just as much fun for the adults, as we get to experience this highly anticipated evening with our children. However, there are some real safety hazards on the frightful night that we need to be aware of. To ensure wonderful memories are created, we wanted to share 10 Halloween safety tips for you and your trick or treaters. We wish you all a very safe and happy Halloween!

Tip #1: Safe Costumes

You may have to make some adjustments to your children’s costume for trick or treating. A costume should be comfortable to wear and shortened to prevent tripping. Also, it is recommended to wear Makeup instead of a Mask, as masks can be safety hazards and annoying for your little one to wear all night. Lastly, comfortable waterproof shoes are a must!

Tip #2: Be Seen

Your child’s costume should be visible on the street. This means either wearing bright colors on the outside or using reflective strips on the costume, canes, wands, brooms and of course their treat bag. Many stores offer reflective treat bags at a minimal price.

Tip #3: Be Organized

Organize your trick or treating with the neighborhood children and their parents. This is a great way to get to know your neighbor better but equally as great if you cannot go yourself. Knowing your child will be with a responsible adult will give you peace of mind. Arranging small groups of 3-5 children is the ideal number for cars to see you and for the homeowners handing out treats.

Tip #4: Have The Talk

Before heading out for the evening, talk to your children about the safety rules. This conversation is especially important if you are not able to accompany them. Inform your child to stay outside and to accept treats at the door only. Never go inside a stranger’s home or car for any reason.

Tip #5: Plan Your Route

Plan your route and time to return home with your older children. Ensure they know the importance of staying with their group and provide a cell phone to use for emergency purposes and communication throughout the evening.

Tip #6: Bring A Flashlight

There are many roads and properties that are not very well lit, so be safe and bring your flashlight. From pot holes to raised concrete to poorly lit entrance ways: these can be safety hazards for your children. A little light will help navigate your way through the darkness and ensure there are no unforeseen accidents.

Tip #7: Look Both Ways

Children can get overly excited on Halloween night and start running or zig zagging across the street. Be mindful of the drivers on the road and walk to the houses on one side of the street before using a crosswalk to go to the other side.

Tip #8: Know Which Houses To Skip

Feeling a little creepy about a house on your street? Then skip that house. Only go to the homes in your neighborhood that you know and have their porch lights on. Typically, if there isn’t a porch light on, then the people are either not home, don’t celebrate Halloween or gosh forbid…have run out of candy!

Tip #9: Stay away from open flames

Some Halloween costumes can easily catch on fire, especially long, flowy or hairy ones. Communicate with your children the importance of safety around fires and why you should stay away from them, including any firework displays.

Tip #10: Inspect The Goods

Lastly, inspect your children’s loot bag before they dig in. It’s a great idea to prepare a goody bag full of your child’s favourite treats to eat on route. And when time permits, you can go through their candy and discard any unwrapped, torn or “off looking” treats.