Words to Haunt by for a Safe Halloween!

The trick to making trick-or-treating a real treat is by following these hints offered by the Missing Children's Network:

Choosing your costume:

Choose a costume and accessories that are fire retardant, clearly visible and marked with reflective tape.

Check the length of your costume in order to ensure that you will not trip.

Wear make-up instead of a loose-fitting mask that can restrict breathing or obscure your vision.

Before you leave the house:

Plan a safe route with your parents in your immediate neighbourhood.

Identify Block-Parent houses along the route. If there aren’t any, choose with your parents a safe house where you can seek refuge if you need help.

Review street safety rules with your parents: make sure to always stay on the sidewalks, cross only at intersections, obey traffic lights and look both ways before crossing.

Eat a snack before you head out to have fun. That way you will be less tempted to sample your goodies before you get home.

Ask your parents for some change in order to call them in case of emergency. Remember that 911 is always free.

Determine with your parents a definite time to return home.

Bring a flashlight in order to see and be seen by motorists.

Along the route:

Use the buddy system: always stay with your group of friends. It’s a lot safer… and a lot more fun!

Visit only those homes that are well-lit and decorated and always wait on the porch. Avoid deserted homes.

Never accept a ride or go with anyone unless you have your parents’ permission.

All good things must come to an end! Don’t forget to respect the agreed upon time to return home.

Upon returning:

Ask your parents to inspect all your treats and immediately discard any goodies that are not wrapped. Then, you may sample one or even two of your yummy treats!

Take some time to unwind by sharing with your parents all the fun you had trick-or-treating and you can even start planning next year’s Halloween costume!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!