Halloween is just around the corner, and so to will be costumed children on a dark Arctic evening.
Safety while trick-or-treating is paramount to having fun, for both kids and parents. That starts with a focus on being easily seen by others, especially motorists.
“To keep kids visible while trick-or-treating on Halloween night, consider adding reflective tape or patches to their costumes and having them carry glow sticks or small LED lights. If possible, opt for bright-coloured costumes, or use accessories like light-up shoes if darker outfits are chosen," advises Geoff Byrne, economic development officer for the City of Iqaluit.
“Iqaluit wasn’t this big when my kids trick-or-treated,” says resident Tania Scott. “We knew everyone in the area, and there was snow on the ground so Iqaluit looked and felt brighter.”
Longtime Iqaluit resident and mother of two children Beata Hejnowicz adds, “Kids should be wearing reflective strips... but people don’t wear them anymore. I find when driving at night I don’t see people on the road because they’re dressed in all black... It’s also interesting that some fashion companies don’t seem to be producing jackets and boots and pants with the reflective strips anymore for us. I remember at one time that was the norm.”
Hejnowicz also added that when her kids were out on Halloween night, she took the precaution of driving with them so they could jump in to the car to warm up.
“This way I could also keep an eye on them,” she says.
The other issue of concern for parents is candy safety.
“If it looked home-made,” said Scott, “I got rid of it.”
“When it comes to Halloween treats, parents should inspect all candy before children eat it,” says Byrne. “Discard any items with torn wrappers, unwrapped candy or homemade treats from unknown sources. Pay close attention to candy labels for potential allergens, especially in mixed candy bags. Be cautious of unfamiliar brands, tampered packaging or any foreign objects. If something seems suspicious, it's best to report it to local authorities.”
