Trick or Treating safety

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  Knows their pre-determined route and what time to return home.
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  Obeys all traffic signals
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  Walks, doesn’t run
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  Trick-or-treats along one side of the street then cross at intersections or crosswalks (avoid criss-crossing the street back and forth).
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  Never crosses the street between parked cars.
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  Always walks on the sidewalk and does not take short cuts across yards, alleys or parks.
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  Be aware of any vehicles that may be pulling into or backing out of driveways.
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  Only approaches lit houses and never enters any stranger’s houses.
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  Has a small flash light or glow sticks so your child can see in dark sections and to enable you child to be seen.

Sponsors

Motorists

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  Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
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  Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
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  Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
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  At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark
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  Be alert and drive with caution through neighborhoods.

Parents

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  Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
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  Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
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  Ensure that older children go out in groups, stay together and use the “buddy system”.
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  Teach your children to stop only at houses that are well- lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
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  Establish a return time.
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  Tell your youngsters not to eat any treats until they return home and their parents have had a chance to inspect those treats.
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  Closely inspect all candy before eating it.

  Look at the candy wrapping carefully and throw out anything that has punctures or holes, including homemade wrappings or items without wrappers or any other treats that may look suspicious.
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  Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules and staying away from lit Jack O’Lanterns.
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  Ensure your child has had an early dinner before heading out.

Costume Safety

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  Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
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  Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
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  Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. Avoid oversized and high-heeled shoes as they can also cause a child to trip.
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  If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light coloured materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children visible.
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  Masks can obstruct a child's vision use facial make-up as an alternative.
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  If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
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  Knives, swords and other accessorie s should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
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  Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colo ured or trimmed with reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
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  Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

  Make sure there is fresh new batteries and it works.