Safe and Sound: Halloween Safety

by Alberta Health Services

As a supporter of Calgary’s Child Magazine’s Partners for Safety initiative, Emergency Health Services (EHS) Alberta would like to remind parents and trick-or-treaters of important 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 at well-lit corners. It is safest to work your way up one side of the street and then cross once to the other side.
• You may choose to avoid houses that are not well lit. Do not accept rides from strangers or enter any home where you feel unsafe.
• Let your parents know where you are going and what route you plan to take. Let them know if you will be late returning home.

Parents

• Be certain that an adult accompanies young trick-or-treaters. Older children should stay in groups.
• Predetermine the boundaries for trick-or-treating and establish a time for children to return home.
• Advise children not to eat anything until they return home. Dispose of any items that have been tampered with or are not properly wrapped.

Costumes

• Choose brightly coloured costumes that are highly visible. Adding reflective tape to costumes can further increase visibility.
• Consider sending your children with a flashlight for additional safety and visibility.
• When purchasing or making costumes, look for materials and accessories labelled flame-resistant.
• All costume accessories, such as sticks, rods, or wands, should be soft and flexible, with no sharp edges. Consider using hypoallergenic makeup 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 extend below your child’s ankles.
• Ensure your child is wearing adequate footwear that takes the weather conditions and walking into consideration.