Health Canada is offering some tips to ensure a safety Halloween night.
Product Safety Officer Dennis Kim says make sure kid’s costumes fit well.
“Flowing skirts, capes, baggy sleeves and other things that are kind of loose can be a tripping hazard as you go from one house to another house when you’re trick or treating. There is also a risk of fire it if those items get close to candles or other open flame,” says Kim.
Health Canada also favours using makeup instead of a mask which would reduce the visibility of where you are going.
“Masks can sometimes get in the way of vision or breathing which could be very uncomfortable for a child. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity or any allergies with respect to makeup, do a small patch test with the makeup on your child to see if there’s any reaction.”
Homeowners should also be mindful of safety. Kim suggests using a small flashlight or battery candle in your jack-o-lantern instead of a candle.
If you do use candles with wicks, make sure to place decorations away from curtains and other flammable objects, and don’t leave them unattended.
He adds to check indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections which have the potential of creating a fire hazard.
For more information about Halloween safety visit the Information Update – Staying Safe on Halloween page on Health Canada’s website.
