Want a safe Hallowe’en? Here’s 17 tips

Hallowe’en is right around the corner and there are few things that we can do to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone. You can never be too careful so consider the following tips.

Eat dinner or a snack before going out to reduce the temptation to consume copious amounts of candy while out trick or treating.

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult and it is a good idea to take younger children trick-or-treating from 6-7pm before it is too dark and older teens venture out.

Remind your children to walk, not run, from house to house and use a sidewalk if one is available — do not walk in the middle of the street and avoid dark, isolated roads.

Try to only go to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Carry flashlights so that everyone can clearly see and be seen.

Purchase or make costumes that are clearly visible, and if necessary decorate or trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that will glow in the dark.

Ensure that costumes are the right length to prevent children from tripping and falling.

Parents as well as children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes while out trick or treating.

If your child is wearing a hat or scarf, tie it securely so that it does not slip over their eyes. 

If your child plans to wear a mask make sure that it has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision straight ahead as well as peripherally. If the holes are not large enough cut them to allow for better visibility.

Swords and similar accessories should be made of soft and flexible material.

Pay attention to hazards such as sharp points and edges that may cause harm if your child falls.

Undoubtedly your children will be receiving candy for complete strangers. Warn them not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them first. Have your child wait until getting home to consume candy or play with treats.

Individually wrapped and sealed candies are best so that parents can check the product has not been tampered with.

If you are expecting trick-or-treaters, remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches.

Candlelit jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

Indoor jack-o’-lanterns with candles should be kept away from curtains, decorations and other furnishings that could be ignited.

At Consumer Affairs, we offer advice to consumers, businesses and other organizations. Before contacting us we recommend that you first visit our web-site, www.ca.gov.bm and read the relevant advice. If you are unable to find the information you require on our web-site please email us at [email protected].

Honey Adams Bell is the education officer for Consumer Affairs.