Halloween is a time for thrills, chills and scaring ourselves silly. It was first celebrated in Ireland over 3,000 years ago, to mark the beginning of winter.
Today, Halloween is very different. It has become about filling your rucksack with sweets, carving Jack O’Lanterns and playing snap apple with family and friends.
While it’s a fun time for children and their families, Halloween also presents dangers that other celebrated occasions do not.
To help reduce accidents, our health and safety team has documented some tips to help everyone stay safe and enjoy the holiday.
Simple costume tips:
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
- Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
- When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls
On average, children are two times more likely to be hit by a car or killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
Firework safety tips:
- Understand all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
- Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting your fireworks
- Obvious but a responsible adult should supervise all firework activities
- Never give fireworks to children
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
- Light one firework at a time and quickly move away
- Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from people, buildings, and vehicles
- Keep a bucket of water and water hose nearby
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
Safe Kids Worldwide have issued the following informative video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEZMNEOzmjU
For more information on how to stay safe this Halloween, please visit:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/child/childsafety/halloween-safety.html
https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx
We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween.