Halloween Safety Tips
October 2001

While you want your children to have fun, be sure to remind them of the Halloween Hallmarks:

• Have a group with you at all times. Do not trick or treat alone.
• Avoid those houses that don't have their lights on or are not well lit.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and driveways.
• Limit the risk of costume dangers by choosing flame-retardant apparel.
• Opened or unwrapped candies should always be discarded, despite temptations to eat quickly!
• Weather should be a factor in preparing for going out. A cold night out means extra padding such as a jacket being worn underneath the costume and/or long underwear. You wouldn't want to have to come home early because you're cold!
• Explain the Halloween route so that there is a mutual understanding about the plans for the evening.
• Expect certain scenarios so that you can be prepared. What if someone invites you inside, what will you say? What if someone has pets that you are not familiar with?
• Narrow down a time for expected arrival home. This will certainly alleviate unnecessary anticipation as a parent and will place appropriate responsibility on your child. Supply your children with quarters for phone calls (or cell phone) just in case.

A few more tips:

• Be sure to have your child eat a good dinner before going out so that they're not tempted to eat candies as they receive them.
  
• Your kids may be prepared with their costume and their bag, but how about a flashlight or reflective tape on the costume so that they're seen outside.
  
• Before they go out, make sure ground rules are agreed to around the consumption of candy, for example:
  
• a limit of 8 small candies per day - 4 after lunch and 4 after dinner
  
• no more than two chocolate bars or chip bags per day,
  
• candy bags will be sorted together with parents to remove any undesirables (i.e. unwrapped candies, fruit, anything causing allergies, etc.)
  
• Think nutrition when preparing to give out treats, too. Consider alternatives to candy, such as single-serving packages of crackers and cheese, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins or non-food items such as pencils, dollar-store toys or stickers.

Need help in balancing your work and family demands? WS Family Matters™ can help. Call your EAP at 1-800-387-4765 for service in English or 1-800-361-5676 for service in French.