The members of Calgary’s Partners for Safety: Calgary’s Child Magazine, AHS EMS, Calgary Police, Fire, 911, Bylaw, and Transit would like to remind parents and trick-or-treaters of some Halloween safety tips as October 31 approaches. Partners for Safety vehicles will be out patrolling communities on Halloween night to provide a visible safety resource for parents and trick-or-treaters.
Trick-or-Treaters
- Remember: All regular pedestrian rules still apply. Be sure to cross the road at marked crosswalks, or well-lit corners only. It is safest to work your way up one side of the street, and then cross once to the other side.
- Avoid houses that are not well lit. Do not accept rides from strangers or enter any home you feel is unsafe.
- Let your parents know where you are going to be at all times (route) and advise them if you will be late returning.
Parents
- Be certain that young trick-or-treaters are accompanied by an adult. Older children should stay in groups.
- Pre-determine boundaries to trick-or-treat within and establish a firm time to return home.
- Advise children not to eat anything until they return home. Dispose of any items that appear to have been tampered with, or that are not properly wrapped.
Costumes
- Choose bright coloured costumes that are highly visible. Adding reflective tape to costumes further increases visibility.
- Consider sending your children with a flashlight for additional safety and increased visibility.
- When purchasing or making costumes, look for materials and accessories that are labeled flame-resistant.
- All costume accessories, such as sticks, rods, or wands, should be soft and flexible, with no sharp edges.
- Consider using hypoallergenic make-up kits instead of masks that may impair breathing, or vision.
- Be sure costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing, but not so long that they become a tripping hazard. Costumes should not be longer than your child’s ankles.
- Ensure your child is wearing adequate footwear that takes into consideration weather conditions and walking.
