Happy Halloween Safety Tips

Right Reaction’s Halloween Safety Tips for Kids & Parents

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!!

Kids should not open any candy until they return home
Kids should eat a meal before going out – don’t snack while trick-or-treating
Accept only packaged and wrapped candy
Do not eat any candy that has been unwrapped or opened
Never eat fruit or other unwrapped items
Parents/adults should inspect all candy for tampering before allowing kids to eat
Throw away ALL candy or food that is not wrapped tightly by the candy company
Throw away anything that looks like it may be unwrapped or punctured
Young children should not have hard candy, gum or anything that can become a choking hazard
Avoid tummy-aches by limiting the amount of candy consumed in a single day
If you find an object in the candy or if there is anything unusual about it, call the police or the Poison Control Centre at 1-800-268-9017 (Ontario)
Do not eat any homemade treats or candy that looks to be re-packaged in clear sandwich bags
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to READ the

Don’t give your pets any treats from your Halloween candy – chocolate, raisins, nuts can be harmful or toxic for some pets
Don’t put your candy where you pets can get at it

Wear flame retardant costumes
Try on costumes well in advance of wearing to allow time for alterations
Alter costumes’ length if required to ensure your costume isn’t a tripping hazard
Apply reflective tape to costumes to make them more visable
Avoid masks that obstruct vision – Use makeup instead if possible
Use only hypoallergenic and non-toxic makeup
Wear comfortable and practical shoes
Secure shoelaces properly to avoid tripping
Watch costumes near candles
Only costume weapons should be carried – they must be flexible and safe

Follow directions on package carefully
Don’t use products that are not intended for skin
Don’t use face paint near the eyes, even if the label shows a picture of people wearing near eyes
Don’t go to bed with your makeup on. Wearing it too long may irritate skin or get into eyes
Some hair sprays can become toxic and become absorbed through the skin
Remove all makeup, hair products, body stickers, temporary tattoos, fake eyelashes, etc before bed

Plan your route before heading out
Trick-or-treat in familiar neighbourhoods
Carry a flashlight after dark
Trick-or-treat in groups with an adult
Stay on the sidewalks and OFF of the streets
Cross streets at crosswalks
Obey traffic lights at major intersections
RESPECT people’s property. Walk only on driveways and walkways unless invited onto grass
Watch for open flames on candles and in jack-o-lanterns.
Visit well-lit houses only. Skip houses that are dark or poorly lit
Never enter a house – unless you know the owners
Carry a spare Halloween bag in case of breakage
Never criss-cross a street – go up one side of block, then down the other side
WATCH for cars – remove masks, hoods, etc to LOOK properly for cars
Respect people & their property – be polite & say “Thank You”
Some people may not be home or may not give out candy – skip houses that don’t have lights on

Do not give out homemade or unwrapped treats
Try to avoid candy with nuts or other allergens if possible
For young children, avoid giving out choking hazards such as gum, hard candies & small toys
If possible, consider different treats for younger kids and older kids
Make sure you have porch/house lights on to make it safer for trick-or-treaters
Light walkways and driveways
Don’t put jack-o-lanterns or candles too close to walkways or doors where candy is given out
Avoid strobe lights and never let them face a walkway – they can trigger seizures for some people
Make sure your property is safe for others who approach
Make walkways wide, decorations shouldn’t obstruct path