(NC) While some of this spooky holiday’s traditions may look a little different this year, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with your family. Costumes, scary movies and candy are all things we can do at home to make the most of Halloween. And socially distanced trick-or-treating may be an option in some communities – even if you just visit families in your bubble.
However, with all the excitement and new precautions to think about, it’s easy for families to lose sight of other potential safety concerns. Whether you’re staying home or heading out, use these tips from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs to keep you and your little ones safe:
Health and safety first
Make sure you and your kids are following all the COVID-19 safety requirements, including keeping a safe distance while trick-or-treating, wearing a mask and sanitizing hands after touching a doorknob.
Dangerous décor
Jack-o-lanterns maybe a time-honoured tradition, but they also represent a serious fire hazard. Instead of using a candle inside the pumpkin, place a small flashlight or battery-powered candle loaded with trusted Duracell batteries. This will keep your home’s decorations shining bright night after night.
Don’t blow it
When it comes to powering Halloween decorations, it’s easy to go overboard. But overloading extension cords is a fire hazard and will ruin the night. Be mindful of the decorations being used and when possible, opt for battery-powered.
Costume considerations
When selecting this year’s costume, choose bright clothing that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add reflective tape to increase visibility.
Light the way
Make sure everyone in the party has a flashlight loaded with trusted batteries like Duracell. This will help make kids more visible. When in doubt, stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes with their lights turned on.
Quality control
Make sure kids resist the urge to sample the spoils of trick-or-treating until an adult has inspected the candy to see if it has been tampered with. All packaged candy should also be sanitized prior to consumption.
