Happy Halloween: 18 tips for a fun and safe Halloween
On 31 October, the streets are packed with little monsters, zombies and superheroes! Halloween has it all: mystery, fantasy and thrills. Let's not let this magical day and evening be ruined by incidents that are easily avoidable.
With a few simple health and safety tips, we can all make sure we're in tip-top shape to make the most of it.
Halloween 101: The treats
For many - especially kids - Halloween is all about candy. But before they go trick-or-treating, keep a few tips in mind.
- Don't forget the EpiPen. Despite telling kids to be patient and to wait until they get home to have their candy checked before eating it, temptation may get the better of them and they might end up dipping into their bags while out trick-or-treating. If your child has a known allergy and has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), of course be sure to bring it along on the outing. If your child or teenager is going trick-or-treating without you, make sure they have it with them and that they are accompanied by one or more friends who are aware of their condition and can inject the medication if necessary. Bear in mind that a mask may hide the signs of an allergic reaction.
- Teach them "no thank you". Whether your child has food allergies or not, teach them to politely refuse homemade baked goods such as cupcakes and brownies, since it's often impossible to know what ingredients they contain.
- Read ingredients carefully. Needless to say, it's important to read the ingredients on candy, especially if your child has allergies. Also, keep in mind that bite-sized candies, like those often seen on Halloween, may contain different ingredients or be manufactured in a different way than their regular size. This means that even known and usually safe candy could cause allergic reactions.
- Stick to what's well packaged. If you have the slightest doubt about the safety of a treat, or if the packaging appears to have been tampered with or altered, throw it away.
- Enjoy without overindulging. It's so easy to get carried away by a big bag full of sweets. But tummy aches, nausea and indigestion never take a brea, even on Halloween! Sort the sweets with your child and decide how much they can eat. Put the rest aside for them to enjoy in the weeks or even months to come. If your child has type 1 diabetes, check out JDRF's Halloween Guide for great tips and information.
Halloween 101: The streets
Unfortunately, it's a fact: on average, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other day of the year. Let's prevent such tragedies by following a few simple but vital safety precautions.
- Be visible. Have your child bring a flashlight or glow sticks for trick-or-treating. You can also stick reflective safety strips on their costume and bag so that pedestrians and motorists can see them clearly.
- Avoid distractions. Talk to your child about the risks associated with distractions while trick-or-treating, including being on their phone while walking, wearing headphones, etc.
- Drive carefully. If you are driving on Halloween night, slow down and pay attention. Children are excited and although they should be warned to cross the road at intersections, that's not always what happens. Not to mention the fact that dark costumes can make them less visible…
- Make a plan. If your older child goes trick-or-treating without you, plan and review the itinerary with them. Remind them to visit only well-lit houses and agree on a specific time to come home.
- ID your child. Whether or not you're going with them, put a small index card in your child's pocket with their name, an emergency telephone number and any relevant information (ex. medical) in case something happens or if your child strays from their group.
Halloween 101: The costumes
What would Halloween be without a costume? It's the perfect day for dressing up. Here's a few tips to keep in mind.
- Choose flame-resistant costumes. Wigs and accessories usually carry such a label. Note also that nylon and polyester are much more resistant to flames than cotton.
- Choose safety over creativity. We've all seen the head-turning and outlandish costumes on social media. And while it's tempting to reproduce them, make sure they're not too long or bulky for your child; if they trip on a sidewalk, they risk not only hurting themselves but also falling into the street in front of a car!
- Avoid dangerous accessories. Even if they are toys, swords, sharp poles and long sticks can not only hurt other children, but your child could also be injured if they trip and fall on one of these.
- Ensure a clear vision. As your child needs to be even more hyper-aware of their surroundings at Halloween, make sure they can see everything around them perfectly. Hats should fit snugly so that they don't slip over the eyes and block vision. Make-up is also preferable to a mask.
Halloween 101: At home
Halloween safety applies everywhere! If you choose to stay home to give out candy to little vampires and witches, a few tips can help make their visit a fun and safe one!
- Light up your house. Good lighting not only lets trick-or-treaters know that you're expecting them, it also helps prevent stumbling down stairs and other hazards caused by poor visibility.
- Clear the path. Bikes, hoses, toys, rakes, etc. should be stored away on Halloween night to avoid mishaps and tripping.
- Keep your pets in another room. Even if your cat or dog is friendly and loves children, some children can be very scared of them! For the short duration of trick-or-treating, or even to prevent your pet from running out of the house with all the comings and goings, choose to leave them in the basement or a room in the house, away from visitors.
- Do not scare the little ones. Some people go all out for Halloween and turn their house into a haunted manor or a house of terror. If you're one of these Halloween enthusiasts, make sure your decorations don't jeopardise anyone's safety. Do not run after children, jump on them or grab them to scare them. And, if you think your installation is too scary for little ones, don't hesitate to put up an age-restricted sign or warn visitors in person before their visit.
HappyHalloween!
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