Halloween safety tips for adults & children

Halloween is approaching fast so I thought I should remind everyone to be safe out there. Halloween Trick-or-Treating Sunday, October 31, usually any time from 5pm - 9pm. Halloween can be an exciting time for children and with the distraction of candy and costumes, safety rules can easily be forgotten. In fact, research shows that distractions can increase a child's chances of being struck by a car. Check out these simple tips to keep Halloween night enjoyable and a safe night for all:

Costumes should be fire retardant and properly fit to the child. Props used by children should be flexible or they should not be carried at all. Instead of a mask, face paints is an excellent choice. If a mask is worn, the mask should have large eye holes and fit the child's face properly. The costume should be light coloured and have reflective material.

When Trick-or-Treating, always use common sense. Stay in the neighbourhoods that you know and if at all possible, go with an adult. Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult. Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least 2 buddies go with you. Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is. Only visit homes where lights are on or where it appears they are taking Trick-or-Treaters. Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go into someone's house or a vehicle. Be sure and say thank you for your treats. Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns. Walk, do not run. Walk on sidewalks and driveways. Follow all traffic rules-cross at corners and crosswalks-not between cars and make sure traffic is clear before crossing the street. Take a cellular phone with you if possible and wear a watch. Carry a flashlight or carry a glow stick when it gets dark.

Wait until you get home and your parents check your candy before you eat it. Parents should check the candy before allowing their children to eat it. If the candy is unwrapped, is powdery, appear to be torn or punctured, or anything else is suspicious with the candy, throw it out. Hospitals do not x-ray candy.

Halloween means that there will be more children out on the streets. Drivers need to take extra care. Drivers must pay close attention during this time as it begins getting dark during the Trick-or-Treating hours.  Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick-or-treating. Did you know that drivers cannot accurately judge their own speed when driving? The higher the speed, the less likely you are to see a child pedestrian, and the harder it is to stop quickly.

Watch out for kids, many of whom may be wearing costumes with masks that make it difficult for them to see. With the excitement of Halloween, children may forget simple pedestrian safety rules. They have a tendency to dart out in the most unexpected places - the most common being between parked cars. Remember also that costumes can limit a child's vision and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

 Reduce your distractions and stay alert. All your concentration should be on the road, not diverted by cell phones or loud music.

Remember to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully. Excited trick-or-treaters may run on sidewalks, or dart out unexpectedly. Proceed with caution, when entering or exiting the roadway.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Jen McLennan