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Written by Calgary's Child
Alberta Health Services EMS and Calgary's Child Magazine would like to remind parents and trick-or-treaters of some basic Halloween safety tips as October 31st approaches.
As a member of the UNICEF Partners for Safety, ambulances, along with police, fire, transit and Shaw Cable vehicles will be out patrolling communities on Halloween night to provide a visible safety resource for parents and trick-or-treaters.
Costumes
- Choose bright colored 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 vision or breathing.
- Be sure costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing - but not so baggy or long they become a tripping hazard. Costumes should not be longer than your child's ankles.
- Ensure your child is wearing adequate foot wear that takes into consideration weather conditions and walking.
Trick-or-Treaters
- Remember: all regular pedestrian rules still apply. Be sure to cross the road at marked cross walks 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.
- Stay away from houses that are not well lit and 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 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 of three or more.
- 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.
