Helpful Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

Taking your little ones trick-or-treating this Halloween? Before you dress them in adorable costumes and head into the night to ring doorbells for candy, be sure to properly prepare for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience.

Set ground rules

Before hitting the streets with your trick-or-treaters (or allowing older children to head out alone), run down the list of safety guidelines to follow--no talking to strangers, stay together, walk, don't run, and be careful on your neighbours’ stairs. Remind your children never to enter any stranger’s home for the candy. Remind older children or teens to make sure they have charged cell phones to contact you, and set a firm curfew. You should also provide an area perimeter you wish for them to stay within.

Plan your route ahead of time
Determine what streets you will trick-or-treat on before leaving so you don't wind up wandering around aimlessly.  Visit familiar roads where you know most of your neighbours and don’t venture too far from your home--especially if you have recently moved and are unfamiliar with your area. Use flashlights or reflective strips on clothing to remain visible to cars when night falls.

Choose comfortable costumes
Halloween is all about expression and creativity with elaborate costumes--however, it's important your children are mobile and are not inhibited by restrictive or heavy costumes as they run through the neighbourhood. Avoid costumes that are too long and can cause tripping hazards, or too tight and prevent fluid movement. If your child is wearing a mask, be sure his or her vision isn’t impaired. If the weather is chilly, avoid costumes that won’t provide your child with sufficient warmth.

Inspect all candy and treats
Make sure to inspect every piece of candy to assure it is unopened before your children indulge. Never eat any homemade treats, unless of course they come from a friend or trusted neighbour. Bring along some snacks from home in case your children’s stomachs start to growl while trick-or-treating.

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