By Kathryn Dunmore, Canadian Red Cross
It’s Halloween again! Children (and some adults) enjoy dressing up in costumes to celebrate. As we have fewer restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic than in previous years, many Canadians are ready to get trick-or-treating with gusto.
There are Canadians who are still taking precautions as well, especially due to COVID, so here are some tips to celebrate Halloween with that in mind.
If you’re not feeling up for Halloween this year, perhaps you or a loved one is sick or simply not able to take any risks, we have some suggestions to ensure you enjoy the holiday as well.
While Halloween should be full of fun and excitement, here are some tips to keep festivities as safe as possible for participating kids.
Halloween Safety Tips:
1. Costumes should be light-coloured and flame resistant with reflective strips so that children are more easily seen at night. Remind children to keep away from open fires and candles as costumes can be extremely flammable.
2. Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping.
3. Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover the eyes.
4. Remind children to walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks - not in the street.
5. Explain to children that they should visit houses along one side of the street first and then the other, and that it's best to cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.
6. Provide yourself or the children with a flashlight to see better and to be better seen by others.
7. Have children plan their route and share it with you and the family.
8. Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
9. Make sure you and your children know where the Block Parent houses are located in the neighbourhood. Set agreed-to boundaries with your children and explain the importance of staying within them and arriving home on time.
10. Remind children not to eat their treats and goodies until they are examined by an adult at home. Candy should not be eaten if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
Learn more
First Aid tips and resources.
These tips and resources don’t replace First Aid training, so learn more about our courses at redcross.ca/firstaid.
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