Suggestions for having a safe Halloween

Details

Published on Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Press Release

Halloween is a fun and exciting time for children. Health Canada would like to remind Canadians of some important safety tips to ensure that Halloween remains an enjoyable experience. 

Costume safety:

• Make sure costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing, but not so baggy or long that children can trip over them.  

• Choose brightly-coloured costumes that will be clearly visible to motorists. Make-up and face paint are better than wearing masks, which can restrict breathing and/or vision.

• Look for costumes, beards and wigs labelled "flame-resistant." Nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best.

The goodies:

• Parents or caregivers are encouraged to remind children not to accept — and especially not to eat — homemade candy or baked goods provided by individuals they don't know.  

• Remove choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys when young children are involved.

• Wash fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect for holes, including small punctures and cuts, and if found, do not let children or adults eat the fruit.

Trick-or-treating:

• When trick-or-treating, parents should accompany their children each year until the children are old enough to go by themselves.

• Tell your children not to eat any goodies until you see them. Make sure your child eats supper before they set out, so they'll be less tempted to eat their goodies along the way.

• Children should stay in well-lit areas and should only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on. Children should never go inside homes or cars.