​Halloween is a busy time for many families and BC Children’s Emergency Department physician Dr. Ran Goldman has some tips to help keep mini-mummies from coming undone.

“We do see more pedestrian injuries around Halloween,” he says. “Fall is typically the season with the most of these types of injuries, but there are a few pointers parents can consider to make the night safer for everyone, and still have fun."

Be street-smart

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of their vehicle.
• If you have to walk on a road without a sidewalk, walk facing traffic so drivers can see you.
• Encourage all crossings to happen at crosswalks or street corners. Don't dodge between vehicles.
• Tell children to make sure to look left and right, and left again. 
• Drive slow, don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive high.

Be seen

• Stick reflective tape to costumes, coats and treat bags.
• Incorporate lights in the costume or have children hold a flashlight. Don’t forget extra batteries.
• The brighter the costume, the better.
• Light the path for trick-or-treaters (& clear slippery leaves off stairs).

Prevention measures

• Clean hands frequently: Wash your hands before and after going trick-or-treating. Keep hand sanitizer with you on the go. 
• If you’re feeling sick or self-isolating, turn off your porch light and stay home.  

Create a hazard-free costume

• Opt for face paint vs. costume masks, which can limit a child’s ability to see clearly. Use non-toxic face paint or makeup.
• Wearing a cloth mask in most indoor public spaces is a personal choice, but don’t have your child wear a cloth mask under a costume mask because it may make it difficult for them to breathe.  Keep in mind, masks are still required in some situations, like visiting health-care facilities. 
• Some parents incorporate a cloth mask in the costume
• Keep wigs and hats secured away from a child’s eyes.
• Make sure all dresses and capes are above the ankle to prevent tripping.
• Give kids well-fitting shoes or boots to avoid falls.

Eat healthy before trick-or-treating

• Provide a healthy meal before children fill up on candy.
• Check candy and throw out anything that isn’t wrapped.
• Be aware of choking hazards for young children like gum, nuts, hard candies, and small toys.

Advice for young and older kids

• Hold the hands of younger kids, who may be unsteady on slippery stairs or uneven sidewalks.
• If older kids are on their own, they should stick to a planned route and meet up times so caregivers know when and where to find them.

Think about fire safety

• Use battery candles in pumpkins.
• Choose fire resistant costumes.
• Skip fireworks - they commonly cause burns to the hands and face. 

Other helpful resources:

• BCCDC’s information on safer social interactions during COVID-19
• If someone has been exposed to a toxic substance or possible poisoning, call the Poison Line 24/7 at 1-800-567-8911.