Halloween is a fun time for children, but it can be an injury-prone evening, too.
Each year, B.C. Children’s Hospital, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, and B.C. Ambulance Service attend to many preventable injuries involving cars and trick-or-treaters, burns from fireworks, falls, choking and cuts from pumpkin-carving.
This year, B.C. Children’s and BCAS are partnering to provide tips for parents to keep little ghosts and goblins safe and happy this time of year.
Be seen – Parents and children should wear bright costumes or clothing made of flame-resistant material with reflective tape, or carry light sticks or a flashlight.Consider trick-or-treating in a group and staying together.
Can you see clearly? – Face painting is often a safer choice for trick-or-treaters than a mask which can obscure vision. Stay on sidewalks and driveways and go up one side of the street and down the other rather than crossing the street between houses.
Dress appropriately – To prevent falls, make sure a child’s costume fits well and it isn’t too long or has too much loose fabric. Dress for the weather, so your child and you are comfortable and warm.
Adult supervision – Young children should always have a responsible adult escorting them door-to-door on Halloween night. Skip past houses that don’t have their porch lights on, and avoid animals that are unfamiliar.
Check treats thoroughly – All treats are checked by an adult before eating. Discard treats that aren’t in sealed packages or look suspicious. When in doubt, throw it out.