Halloween is such an exciting time of year; you get to dress up as something scary or funny or as your favorite movie or TV character. But with all the excitement and thoughts of candy running through their heads, kids may forget some of their basic safety knowledge. So below are a few tips that the Red Cross of Canada has put together to keep your kids safe this Halloween.

•  Costumes should be light-colored and flame resistant with reflective strips so that children are more easily seen at night. 
•  Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping.
•  Remind children to keep away from open fires and candles.
•  Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover the eyes.
•  Remind children to walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks - not in the street.
•  Explain to children that it is best to do one side of the street first and then the other, not crisscross back and forth. It's best to cross the street only  at intersections or crosswalks.
•  Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.
•  Provide yourself or the children with a flashlight to see better and to be better seen.
•  Have older children plan their route and share it with you and the family.
•  Trick or Treaters should travel in groups of four or five.  Young children should be accompanied by an adult.
•  Visit homes that have the porch light on.
•  Make sure children know they should accept treats at the door and must not get into cars or enter the homes or apartments of strangers.
•  Remind children not to eat their treats and goodies until they are examined by an adult at home.  And candy should not be eaten if the package is  already opened.
•  Set agreed-to boundaries with your children.  Explain the importance of staying within them and arriving home on time.

Drivers, don’t forget that kids are very excited for Halloween and may not remember all of these tips, so be extra careful on the roads on October 31st!

Comment on our facebook page and let us know what you are dressing up as this year!