Many love to be spooked on Halloween, but Oct. 31 can also bring a few real-life scares. From costume issues to safety concerns, it’s important to plan ahead. Health Canada reminds residents to make their homes safe for the little ghouls and goblins this year. “Remove objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn on your outdoor lights to increase visibility and let trick-or-treaters know they can visit,” the government says. Here’s a few Halloween safety tips and tricks from Health Canada: Costume concerns Choose costumes that are safe and visible. Avoid long, flowing or oversized outfits, as well as accessories that could catch fire. Opt for nylon or heavyweight polyester materials, which are less likely to ignite. Wearing brightly coloured costumes and reflective tape help make trick-or-treaters more visible. You can also use face paint or make-up instead of masks, which can block vision. Decorating do’s and don’ts To prevent fires and injuries, Health Canada suggests taking precautions when decorating. Let children draw designs on pumpkins, but have an adult do the carving. Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, lighters and matches away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Consider battery-operated candles or flashlights to safely light up your decorations. Trick-or-treating tips Keep children safe by making sure they stay visible and aware of their surroundings. Go trick-or-treating with your children each year until they’re old enough to go with friends, says Health Canada. Give each child a flashlight to make them more visible to motorists and others. Encourage them to stay in well-lit areas and visit only homes with their lights on. Remind them never to go inside homes or vehicles. Candy cautious The government advises parents to inspect all treats and toys before letting children dig in. Tell children not to eat anything until it has been checked and watch for choking hazards such as chewy candies, peanuts, or hard candies. Inspect small toys or novelty items for loose parts and keep them away from children under three.
