Get set for Halloween with these 6 tips

October 25, 2023

It’s almost time for trick-or-treating, costumes, candy and the Halloween excitement. As you prepare for all the fun the spooky season has to offer, here are six tips for a safe and healthy Halloween.

Tip 1: Inspect your treats before you feast

Before diving into treats, inspect them and throw away anything that has a tear or is open. As always, wash your hands before and after eating.

If you’re handing out treats, offer individually packaged food and drinks that are safe at room temperature.

Tip 2: Rinse after you feast

After snacking, rinse your mouth with water to reduce acid attack and remove snack debris.

Remember to floss daily and brush twice a day, especially before bedtime – treat time can affect your oral health
Offer treats as part of a meal or snack to limit sugar exposure and add nutrition

Tip 3: Be visible and watch for moving cars when crossing streets

If you’re trick-or-treating, illuminate the night and make yourself more visible with reflective gear and flashlights. Remember to cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections and make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.

Drivers are reminded to drive with care and be more aware of pedestrians. It will be dark and there will be significantly more pedestrians, including excited children walking on Halloween.

Tip 4: Think before you dress

Playing a character is one of the joys of Halloween, but costumes focused on culture, race, religion, ethnicity, mental illness, caricatures of gender or identities, depictions of homophobia or transphobia and disability may be considered offensive and are not appropriate in any circumstance.

When selecting a costume, ask yourself these important questions:

Is my costume perpetuating a stereotype associated with a race, culture, or religion?
Does my costume include representation of a garment with significance to a particular religion or culture that I do not identify with?
Does my costume depict a historical time or period that is now considered offensive and/or discriminatory?
Would I wear a specific costume in front of people from that group?

If in doubt, leave it out! We can all help to ensure Halloween is a time when all residents feel safe, respected and valued.

Tip 5: Champion accessibility and make Halloween a treat for all!

Children and families living with disabilities or those requiring accommodations can sometimes feel excluded from activities when their needs are not considered.

Keep accessibility top-of-mind so all the little goblins and superheroes can take part in Halloween fun:

Stairs may present challenges for those living with disabilities that affect mobility - place your treat bowl close to the sidewalk or at the bottom of your stairs and ensure the area is well-lit
Some children may be non-verbal - don’t request verbal responses from children and be patient with those who do not respond to questions or provide social feedback.
Flashing lights and startling scares can be problematic for people living with epilepsy, sensory sensitivities and anxiety
Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project - Place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep to communicate to others that you have non-food treats available
Place an Accessible Trick-or-Treating lawn sign on your front lawn before Halloween to show that your home is providing an accessible trick-or-treating experience

You can set an example in your community by creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment that honours diversity and celebrates inclusion.

Tip 6: Hazard-proof Halloween

Kids are four times more likely to be injured on Halloween than any other day of the year. Help ensure their safety with these tips:

When carving a pumpkin, make sure you use appropriate carving knives that are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin
To prevent injuries, have kids draw a face on the pumpkin instead
Make sure costumes are no longer than the ankles and shoes and scarves fit securely to prevent tripping
Since face masks can block vision, try using face paint instead
Any food can cause choking, but some are more unsafe than others
Kids should never run or play with candy in their mouths and those under four years old should avoid small, round, hard candies