By Estelle Chatenoud
Halloween is just around the corner and parents may be getting nervous. The night’s excitement means some children forget to be careful, but simple common sense is often enough to avoid problems. Depending on a child’s age, there are many ways to help ensure a safe and happy Halloween.
The Ottawa Police Service has provided some tips for parents, homeowners and motorists to prevent accidents.
Parents should make sure young children are accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager when they go door-to-door. If you can’t accompany your children, instruct them to trick-or-treat in groups, in their own neighborhood and to only approach well-lit houses. Don’t forget to give them a flashlight.
Choose or make costumes that are flame-resistant and have bright colours. A make-up mask is better than one that restricts breathing or obscures vision.
Don’t forget to teach your children basic everyday safety such as not getting into strange cars, not talking to people they don’t know, and to look both ways before crossing the street
Secure emergency identification within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. You should know where they’re going and when they’ll return home.
Instruct them to go to a Block Parent home, a Rogers Pumpkin Patrol vehicle, a police officer or yell for help if they need to.
Feed your children dinner before they go out. They will be less likely to eat any candy before you have a chance to check it for them. Tell them not to eat anything until they are home and the treats have been carefully examined. Look at the wrapping carefully and throw away anything unwrapped. Check the wrappers of commercial treats for evidence of tampering.
Homeowners have to make sure their yards are safe and well-lit. Place lit pumpkins well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking.
Motorists should also be aware of the increase in pedestrians. Drive slowly and carefully along neighbourhood streets.
There are always alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating. Parents can plan a Halloween night at home. Also, community centers and shopping malls may have organized festivities or allow children to go door-to-door in a controlled environment.