Ideas for keeping kids safe this Halloween night

Halloween is just around the corner and all those little ghouls and goblins will soon be getting decked out in their Halloween best for an evening of trick or treating.

But before you send your little ones out on Oct. 31, there are few safety tips that Airdrie RCMP is encouraging parents to heed.

According to RCMP Cst. Francine Hennelly one of the most important things for parents to remember is to supervise children and their activities during the busy night.

“Having parents accompany their children while trick or treating will help to ensure children’s safety while they are travelling from home to home,” said Hennelly. “Upon the return home, parents should inspect all treats before children consume anything.”

Halloween safety tips for kids:

• Wear make-up instead of a mask to avoid obstructing vision.

• Wear reflective clothing so that you are visible to drivers during the evening.

• Wear a fitted costume to avoid the chance of falling and getting hurt by a costume that is oversized.

• Wear comfortable shoes (or boots) to make sure your feet feel comfortable as you make your way door to door.

• Use safe props (swords, wands) with costumes to avoid injury to oneself or others.

• Wear a watch that can be read in the dark.

• Carry a flashlight to shine on any areas that are dimly lit.

• Walk, don’t run and always make sure to look both ways before crossing any streets.

• Stay in neighbourhoods that you are familiar with.

• Stay on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk then make sure to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

• Do not cross over yards or driveways.

• Obey all traffic signals and give traffic the right of way.

• Only go to houses that have lights on.

• Don’t approach any animals that you are unsure of or have never seen.

• Travel in groups. It’s more fun and safer.

• Never go inside anyone’s home or take a treat from someone who approaches you in a vehicle.

Halloween safety Ttips for parents:

• Get your little ones to eat before they go out.

• Go over an emergency plan and give directions on who they should call and how in case they need to reach someone.

• Very young children ideally should be accompanied by an adult.

• Buy costumes made of flame retardant materials.

• Give a curfew that older children need to adhere to.

• Inspect candy before giving it to kids. To be safe, if wrappers don’t look right then throw it out.

• Clear your yard of any hazards like ladders, hoses, dog leashes, slippery driveways and steps.

• Keep pets indoors and away from trick or treaters. Halloween can be a unsettling time for pets and cause them to act out uncharacteristically and unexpectedly.

• Try to avoid using candle lit Jack-O-Lanterns outdoors. If possible use a battery powered light source.

• Place decorations and pumpkins out of reach of children.

• Do not hand out treats that contain peanuts or peanut butter.