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Alberta Health Services

Trick-or-treat safety tips

Oct 31, 2022 | 11:14 AM

Alberta Health Services wants to help you and your young vampires, princesses and Stranger Things characters have a safe time on Halloween.

AHS is offering some simple tips for trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving and more.

The forecast ranges from 12 C to 8 C during the prime supper time and early evening trick-or-treating hours.

Costumes

  • Wear costumes and footwear that fit properly to reduce tripping and the risk of injury.
  • Dress for the weather. Wear layers and appropriate clothing, such as boots and jackets, to keep your child warm and dry in all weather conditions.
  • Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags to keep your child visible in the dark.
  • Choose flame-resistant costumes, beards and wigs.
  • Choose face paint or makeup instead of a mask that can interfere with vision.
  • Children wearing a mask or a head piece must ensure they can see clearly from the front and both sides, and that it doesn’t interfere with breathing.
  • Never allow your child to carry a sharp or dangerous costume prop, such as a knife or sword.

Trick-or-treating

  • Children should trick-or-treat in groups and should never trick-or-treat alone.
  • Accompany your child until you feel comfortable they are old enough to go without adult supervision. Know where your children are trick-or-treating if they are old enough to go unaccompanied.
  • Remind children to adhere to the same safe road rules when trick-or-treating as they do any other night. Remember these road safety tips:
  • Teach your child to trick-or-treat in well-lit areas, and to only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on.
  • When giving out treats, remember to leave your porch light on.
  • Pack a flashlight in your child’s trick-or-treat bag.
  • Remind your child never to go inside a stranger’s home or car.
  • Check all the goodies before your child digs into their treat bag.
  • Check ingredient lists on labels to avoid allergens.
  • Throw out all candy that has a loose, broken or open wrapper.
  • Throw out homemade candy or baked goods made by people you don’t know.
  • Wash all fruit and cut it into pieces to check before eating.

Limit sugar

  • Chocolate and candy are high in sugar. The more times a day children eat it, the greater the risk of tooth decay.
  • When eating chocolate or candy, do so after mealtime. The extra saliva produced at mealtimes helps provide some protection to teeth.
  • Brush and floss with extra care and attention after eating chocolate or candy.

Pumpkin carving

  • Make sure an adult oversees all pumpkin carving activities. Never leave your child unsupervised.
  • Have an adult light any candles used inside of pumpkins or use battery-operated lights instead. Keep matches and lighters away from children.
  • Don’t allow children to play near pumpkins with candles burning.
  • Keep lit pumpkins out of the way of trick-or-treaters and fire hazards, such as bushes or trees.
  • Supervise pumpkins when lit, and make sure to put out any candles before turning in for the night.

Around the neighbourhood:

  • Drive slowly, especially in residential areas. Be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters.
  • Remove hazards in your yard, such as hoses and yard tools, and make sure you have a clear, well-lit walkway for trick-or-treaters.