Halloween Safety Tips - New Westminster Police Department

General Tips for Kids

Never go into a stranger’s house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it’s okay. Always make sure that your mom or dad is within sight when you go out trick-or-treating.
Don’t eat any of your candy until you have brought it home and given your parents a chance to look through it.

Don’t cross the street repeatedly between houses. Visit houses along one side of the street and then be careful when you cross over to the other side. Look in both directions to make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too.

If you are an older kid or young teen, and going out with friends, make sure that your parents know where you are going and who you are going with.

Vandalism is against the law! Throwing eggs at cars and houses is not cool. Someone has to clean it up and it could be you, if you get caught.

Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren’t going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.
Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it’s fire proof or fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.
Have a look through your kids’ candy before allowing them any. Only retain items that are still in their original packaging.

You should only let your kids wear costumes that are made of flame retardant material. If they are homemade, make sure you use fabrics that are inherently flame resistant, such as nylon and polyester.
Try to have reflector strips on your child’s costume, or give them a flash light or light stick to make them more visible at night. This will make them more visible by drivers and you can keep an eye on them as well if they get ahead of you while out trick or treating.
Make sure that your costume fits properly to avoid any accidents like tripping over a long dress or cape. Make sure that it is comfortable since it will probably be worn for several hours.
Be sure to pre-test any makeup you plan to use by applying a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it for about thirty minutes a couple of days in advance. If a rash, redness, swelling, or any other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, it could be a sign of a possible allergy or adverse reaction.
If a mask is worn, make sure that the eye holes are big enough to see not only in front but peripherally as well. You may have to cut them open further yourself. If so, use some black or gray grease paint around the eye socket to cover skin.