Last-minute Halloween safety tips

Oct 30, 2013 | 5:28 AM

Halloween is just around the corner and Parkland Ambulance’s Lyle Karasiuk wants to make sure people of all ages who are celebrating stay safe.

“Safe simply means this: Make sure your costume is bright and light,” he said. By bright, he said he means that the costume is reflective.

“I know that a witch really doesn’t look good in a pink tutu, but a witch certainly should have a bit of reflective something on her costume.” Parents can purchase reflective strips from a craft store to attach them to the cuffs of the costume, he suggested.

And in terms of making sure the costume is light, Halloween night may be a cold one, so Karasiuk said parents should make sure it’s easy to put over something so the kids can stay warm.

He added parents should also make sure that their child’s costume is not too long.

As well, when it comes to masks, ones that are too big can be a hazard. “We’ve seen it too many times, the mask is too big, and the child can’t see, nor the child can hear. And if the mask is a little bit sort of covering of the face, we remind kids that we want them to take the mask or lift the mask up so they can see, especially when they’re crossing at the corners.”

Parents should also take props that go along with costumes away from their children before they go out. “By props, I mean if you’re a pirate, leave the sword at home. If you’re being a shepherd, leave the cane at home. If you’re the good fairy, leave the magic wand at home.”

And in place of props, Karasiuk said they should be carrying a flashlight to help them see and be seen. He’s urging drivers to slow down in residential areas, and children to look both ways and listen out for traffic before crossing the street at intersections.

Treat tips

Karasiuk said that unless parents can verify the source of the treats – another family member – they should toss anything that is unwrapped or anything with damaged packaging.

For those handing out treats, he suggested alternatives that don’t involve sugar. These include stickers or activity books. “We’ve also heard of people that have just substituted Halloween parties and kids with parties, to having things they give back out into the community, to many of the social agencies and organizations who rely on those sorts of giving as well.”

Safety tips for adults

Adults who are dressing up shouldn’t wear hats or anything that covers their face while driving, according to Karasiuk. “It’s going to limit your ability to drive to and from work, so you may want to carry that along and add that part of your costume while at work.”

On the subject of driving, he’s also reminding drivers not to drive if they’ve been drinking at parties.

“That’s the easiest message.”

At parties, food safety is also important. Karasiuk said it’s important to keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
And safety is also an important consideration when it comes to decorations. A flashlight may be a safer alternative than a candle, Karasiuk suggested.

But if you’re handing out candy this year, the area around your house should be free of dangers too.

“Keep the lights on, keep the walkways clean and safe. If you’re out doing the last-minute Halloween decorations, for example … proper extension cords, don’t overload circuits. If you’re up on a ladder, do so safely, propped up, maybe somebody supervising as well. But it’s just those sort of things that we don’t want to create a hazard as kids are coming up.

“We want that spooky, frightful experience of them looking at your house, but do so smart, and do so safe.”

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames