Editorial: Tips so you remember Halloween for the right reasons
Published 5:30 am Thursday, October 30, 2025
Halloween is just days away and for some, especially children looking forward to dressing up and getting a bag full of candy, it’s just as exciting as Christmas.
But you really want your Oct. 31 to be one to remember for the right reasons, not the wrong ones.
Plenty of organizations offer safety tips for this occasion and it’s a good idea to review some of them, as you prepare to head out in your costume on the spookiest night of the year.
The Canadian Red Cross recommends choosing light-coloured, flame resistant costumes with reflective strips to make you easier to see at night. Also on the subject of visibility, carrying or wearing glow sticks can be helpful.
Costumes should also be well-fitting enough that kids aren’t tripping on over-long hems. Avoid masks and paint your face instead, so your vision isn’t obscured. If you do wear a mask, make sure the eye holes are big, and the mask stays in place.
When trick-or-treating, children should stay on sidewalks when possible, and no matter how excited they are, they should walk, not run. If there are no sidewalks, make sure to stick to the side of the road, as there may still be cars coming by.
Make sure someone in your party has a flashlight (not difficult these days when most people will have their phone on them).
It’s a good idea to travel in groups and young children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you’re sending your older kids off on their own, set boundaries as to how far they can go, and make sure they’re up on safety tips, too.
Kids of any age should only accept candy at the door; never go into a stranger’s home or car. Wait to eat anything until treats have been inspected in a well-lit area. Don’t eat things from open packages or that are home made, unless you know the person who gave it to you well.
Parents should also be on the lookout to make sure nobody has mistaken candy-like cannabis edibles for Halloween candy.
It’s not just trick-or-treaters and their chaperones that can take some tips to heart.
Island Health reminds people to make Halloween accessible for those going door to door. You can do that by keeping any paths, walkways or stairwells that people will have to navigate well lit and as free of obstructions as possible.
You should also avoid using strobe lights or loud noises to make your home spooky, as it can be dangerous to startle someone, and flashing lights can even induce seizures.
If it’s a long hike to your front door, consider turning your car trunk into a treat station or set up a table near the road or sidewalk.
You can also consider including some non-edible treats, as not all kids can have the traditional Halloween candy.
If you’re driving, go slowly and be patient. And for adult celebrations, plan a safe ride home.
