Halloween is a fun and exciting time for children and many adults. During this spooky season, it is crucial to keep safety as your priority.
The Toronto Police Services has advised that the average number of collisions in the city typically rises on Halloween. On an average day, there are between 138 and 167 collisions per day in Toronto. However, on Halloween that number increases to as many as 325 collisions, the majority of which occur between noon and 8:00 p.m. Therefore, it is important for drivers to drive slowly, watch out for children, stay alert, and remember to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.
The following safety tips should be considered for an enjoyable and safe Halloween experience for trick-or-treaters and party attendees:
- Look for flame-resistant costumes. Flowy or baggy clothing can be hazardous around flames or candles. Costumes should also be short enough to avoid tripping.
- Choose bright coloured material and costumes that will be visible by drivers. You can increase and ensure visibility by adding reflective tape to your child's attire.
- Remember to walk on the sidewalks and stay clear of walking on the street.
- When trick-or-treating, make your calls along one side of the street first and then proceed to the other side. Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks.
- Remember to remind children to look both ways before crossing the street. Always check for moving motor vehicles.
- Avoid wearing masks that don't fit properly. Masks that are too large or small can interfere with a person’s (especially children’s) breathing or vision. As an alternative, use make-up or face paint.
- Try to avoid using colour or special effect contact lenses. They can injure the eyes.
- Ensure that if you are carrying toy weapons or accessories, they are made of flexible or soft materials. Rigid or spiked accessories can cause injuries in the event of an accident.
- When carving the pumpkin, let the child draw the design or face and have the adult carve it out. This will help avoid injuries.
- Check outdoor and indoor decorative lights and plugs for cracked or broken sockets, frayed wires and loose connections. Also, ensure that decorations are placed in areas where they will not cause a trip and fall accident.
- Parents should always look over the candy before allowing children to eat it. Be careful of providing children with treats that could be a potential choking hazard.
- Give the children glow sticks or flashlights to hold when trick-or-treating.
When roaming on the streets with the rest of the goblins, witches, princesses, monsters, mummies, and superheroes be careful when trick-or-treating or attending a party this Halloween.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!