CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN SAFELY
DURING THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
#1 Safety guidelines - be sure to follow all public health safety
It is recommended that door-to-door trick or treating interactions be kept brief.
If a street or house looks crowded, we recommend that you wait or go back later.
Face masks or coverings should be worn as part of your costume .Please note, a costume mask is not a substitute for a face mask or covering.
Two metre distance should be kept from people that do not live with you.
here is a link to Toronto Public Health
#2 Trick or treating with Toddlers and children under 5
Head out early when its still light enough for them to see others and to be seen.
Check out local day time events and avoid the spook.
Go to homes you know and can guarantee there will not be any scary surprises.
Your little one will likely enjoy handing out candy just as much as trick or treating.
Don’t’ forget to remind them to use their manners – PLEASE & THANK YOU.
#3 Costume Safety
All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks or flashlights.
#4 Safely Handing Out Treats
Hand out treats outdoors.
Wear a mask & sanitize your hands often
. Hand out pre-packaged treats. Keep interactions brief.
Don’t hand out treats if you have even one symptom of COVID-19.
#5 Safe Treats & Food Allergies
Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected.
In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present.
Tell children not to accept—or eat—anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.
Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
# 6 Visibility on the Streets
and to avoid running off onto a street. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
Remind your child to look both ways when crossing; Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents
Remind your child to be mindful of vehicles driving within your neighborhood; your child may not be seen because of a dark costume or an obstructive view such as Halloween decorations, trees, bushes etc.
Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk.
Practice safety rules at home and set clear distance boundaries. Role play and make sure children know the dangers because the excitement of the night and a little sugar can turn a fun night into a scary one if you are not careful.
HAVE FUN!
