Celebrating Halloween is increasingly popular occasion in Western Australia, and while it’s fun to get dressed up and spook yourself silly, it’s important to consider basic safety precautions to help make your children’s Halloween a safer night of fun. Constable Care has put together ten safety Halloween tips for parents so they can focus more on treats than tricks:
1. Supervision or a Buddy System – No one should ever be alone. Ideally kids should be supervised by parents but if they’re not, make sure older children know to stick together.
2. Make An ID Tag – No one plans to lose their child but it’s good to be prepared for the worst. We recommend attaching a tag or sticker with emergency contact info to the inside of your child’s costume.
3. Mobile Phone – Most people don’t leave the house without it anyway, but make sure it’s fully charged. If your child is going without adults, make sure they have one just in case.
4. Street Safety – Remind your children not to run, use crossings and stay on the footpaths. Children should put all electronic devices down and keep heads up. Even if they’ve been told a million times before, a reminder can’t hurt.
5. Be Visible – Make sure children understand to stay in well-lit areas. Make sure drivers can see them as they’re crossing the street walking from house to house. Torches, reflective or glow in the dark accessories might be good options.
6. Never Go Inside – Make sure children understand they should never enter a house while trick or treating, nor go near a car that might stop to offer treats. Children should only visit well- lit houses and those participating in Halloween.
7. Make A Route – Plan to go to areas you know. You can put a leaflet in neighbours’ letterboxes telling them the time when most children will trick or treat and how to mark their houses if they want to participate.
8. Allergies – If your child is going with another parent, be sure to tell them if they have a common allergy such as to peanuts or chocolate. Similarly, if your child is very young, remind them of what they’re not allowed to eat.
9. Check Lollies – Don’t let children jump into the sugar rush without checking their lollies first. Make sure everything is sealed and unopened. If it’s opened or homemade, throw it away.
10. Talk To Your Child – Make sure you talk to them about trick-or-treating beforehand and go over these rules.
For images, interviews or for further information, please contact:
Diane Ainsworth
Marketing and Communications Manager
Constable Care Child Safety Foundation
0412000606 or diane@cccsf.org.au
