Tips for staying safe on Halloween

Two toddlers dressed for the weather to trick or treat during Halloween.

As the calendar creeps closer to October 31, there are a few things you should keep in mind so that everyone enjoying Halloween has a safe time.

Costumes

Consider costumes that are bright and include reflective elements so they can be seen more easily. A properly fitting costume can also help reduce the risk of a child tripping and falling. Make sure the costume doesn’t obscure the child’s vision.

Stay away from open flames, such as candles. In the event the costume catches fire, make sure to stop, drop, and roll.

Decorations

A Halloween pumpkin with a smile
Avoid using sharp knives when carving pumpkins.

When carving pumpkins with children, you should avoid using sharp knives and ensure there is adult supervision. When you are ready to get rid of your pumpkins, you can put them in your curbside yard waste if you have an upcoming pickup or take them to your local food waste drop-off station.

Reduce your fire risk by using a flashlight, glow stick, or battery-operated candle instead of one with a flame. If you are using a real candle, keep the pumpkin away from where the trick-or-treaters will be and away from anything that could catch fire, including other decorations.

Decorations should not block exits, sidewalks, or stairs.

Trick-or-treating

If you are choosing to go out trick-or-treating, try to go while it is still light out. Bring a flashlight or glow sticks to be seen easier.

Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult. For older children, make sure to discuss what route they will be taking. Don’t take shortcuts and never enter a stranger’s home.

Always look both ways before crossing the street and never cross between parked cars or in the middle of a block. Stick to the sidewalks, whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic. If you have pets, make sure they are secured on a leash.

Road safety

If you are driving on Halloween, be extra cautious while on the roads and reduce your speed. Children will be excited and may dart out into the road. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that would take your eyes off the road.

Make sure your headlights and signal lights are all in working order and in use. Consider lowering the volume on the radio or music playing to hear your surroundings more clearly.

Candy

Before children eat any candy, the treats should be looked at by an adult. Do not eat any candy that looks like it may have been tampered with, or looks unusual. To avoid choking, do not eat candy while running, playing.

Handmade treats should be avoided. Children with allergies should take extra care and only consume items that have all the ingredients listed.

If you are looking to give out something other than candy as a gift, consider giving a Recreation Gift Card, which can be used for a variety of activities. They start at $5 and can be purchased at our indoor pools and select recreation facilities.

Fireworks

If you plan to celebrate with fireworks, remember to get a permit at least 48 hours in advance. Permits are required for all consumer fireworks displays within the city.

Fireworks can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Always read all instructions and labels, light fireworks at arm’s length, and keep water close by to use as a fire extinguisher.

 

Originally posted on October 26, 2021

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.