B.C. Children’s Hospital has a few tips to keep your little trick-or0treaters safe this Halloween.
“Each year many kids look forward to the fun that Halloween brings, but with the fun comes potential hazards that parents and caregivers need to be aware of,” Dr. Ash Singhal, a pediatric neurosurgeon and the medical director of B.C. Children’s Hospital trauma program, said in a press release. “B.C. Children’s Hospital encourages families to talk to their children — from little ones to teens — about safety and to also lead by example.”
Six tips to keep kids safe
See hazards:
While many kids love wearing masks and costumes with intricate accessories, these items can actually become barriers when spotting cars and other hazards. Consider skipping the mask and using face paint so that kids can see clearly. If your little princess is wearing a long gown, ensure it is short enough to avoid falls, and that your superhero’s cape doesn’t drag on the ground.
Stick together:
Are your little ones trick-or-treating? Make sure they are accompanied by an adult at all times. Consider group-theme costumes to encourage kids to stick together, such as The Avengers, Paw Patrol or PJ Masks. If you’re walking at night, hold young ones’ hands and keep them safe from obstacles like uneven surfaces or stairs.
Stay bright:
The brighter and more colourful the costume, the better. Consider attaching reflective tape, buttons and lights to kids’ coats and goodie bags; by doing this you make it easier for drivers to see kids crossing the street. Always carry a flashlight and extra batteries while trick-or-treating. Decorating your property? Keep it well-lit and use non-flammable light sources.
Follow the yellow brick road:
Draw a trick-or-treat map with your kids and ensure everyone sticks to the route; let someone at home know the route you plan to take. Discuss a plan with older children so you know where they are at all times. Make sure they have a charged mobile and tell to make like ET and phone home if there are any changes to agreed-upon plans.
Check candy:
Check all treats before little hands start unwrapping candy. Be wary of unsealed or broken wrappers and unwrapped candies, and review all home-packaged candy. When in doubt, throw it out.
Drivers, slow down:
More children will be on the streets and sidewalks on Halloween night — many of them distracted by the night’s festivities. Please slow down, drive safely and do not drink and drive.
