You've got the kids dressed up for Hallowe'en and they're about to head out the door to do some serious Trick or Treating. But before they do, the Insurance Bureau of Canada and Safe Kids Canada would like you to think about these safety tips:

  • Make sure your child can be seen in the dark. Costumes should be light coloured and flame resistant with reflective strips. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards and brooms, too!)
  • Use a flashlight so you and your child will see and be seen more easily.
  • Costumes should be short enough to avoid trips and falls.
  • Use face paint. Masks or other objects may cover the eyes.
  • If you're not going with them, teach children to trick-or-treat along one side of the street first, then cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk and trick-or-treat on the other side, and remind children to look both ways before crossing the street. They should check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.
  • Remind children not to eat their treats until an adult at home has checked them over. Don’t eat candy that has already been opened.
  • Children should stay in well-lit areas and should only visit homes that have their outside porch lights on. Trick-or-treaters should not go inside homes.