Halloween: The safest day of the year

[Disney Dad Canada]

As a parent on my kids' PTA, I was emailed this link by the principal on "how to have a safe Halloween".

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/about_us/media_room/Room.asp?show=allNews&view=detailed&self=26973

OMG, talk about over protective. 42 rules for Halloween? How about get a costume, go outside, then collect candy? Needless to say, I didn't abide by these crazed rules. I went out with my kids, and when one got tired, let the other two stay out by themselves.

Believe it or not, i still have three kids, and no one got poisoned or molested.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304915104575572642896563902.html?mod=rss_opinion_main

 

[jcb]

We had no trick or treaters - at all.

My mickey mouse pumpkin must have scared them away.

 

[DaParkers]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2557516

Didn't you start a thread similar to this already? I know it's not exactly the same, but, close enough. We're all crazy for being overly concerned with "perceived" dangers that don't actually happen. Blah, Blah, Blah............

 

[soupy11]

We were hammered by the media this year up here.....health canada advised us to TRIPLE check our candy this year. Not due to anything, just a feeling I guess. Is candy tampering one of the more successful urban myths?

One thing in that list you posted is to throw away tampered candy. Umm, wouldn't you want to maybe investigate that to see if it has truly been tampered? Reminds me of the TSA who throw suspected "explosive" water bottles into a big bin and stand beside it all day.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2557516

Didn't you start a thread similar to this already? I know it's not exactly the same, but, close enough. We're all crazy for being overly concerned with "perceived" dangers that don't actually happen. Blah, Blah, Blah............

Yes I did, but that was before I got this crazy list from the school. It's unfortunate that people receiveing something like this from their children's school might take this as fact, rather than questioning it's validity.

Children should be able to enjoy their holiday without fear of the big bad scary imaginary evils of society. IMO, the school board isn't protecting the kids at all, just perpetuating an irrational fear.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I read your list and I'm curious as to which "rules" you find so offensive.

Have your child carry a flashlight.
* NEVER go into a stranger's house.
* NEVER trick or treat with people you do not know.
* Trick or treat only at homes you know.
* Children should always stay in groups if no parent is present.
* Younger children should ALWAYS be accompanied by an older person.
* Accompany your child when trick or treating.
* If you can not accompany your child then know the route your child will take.
* Flame resistant (retardant) costumes are in order. Keep costumes short and remind children to stay away from pumpkins with candles in them.
* Remind children to stay away from pets they do not know.
* Remind children of road safety rules. Cross only at corners. Do not criss-cross the road. Go up one side of the road and down the other side. Never cross between parked cars. Walk facing on-coming traffic if there is no sidewalk.
* If adults are driving their children, drive slowly, with lights on and be cautious when pulling to the side of the road.
* Children should NEVER eat any treats until parents have had a chance to go through them and inspect them. Parents should look for tampering of packages and discard any they believe to be unsafe.
* Children should wear their own shoes when trick or treating. Wearing costume shoes/boots can be dangerous and uncomfortable.
* Remind children that not everyone celebrates Halloween, and to avoid any homes that have no lights on. Also remind children not to run through neighbours yards or gardens.
* With older children be sure to know what other events (such as parties) they plan on attending.
* Set time limits when children should return home.

HOME SAFETY

If you plan on giving out treats this year here are some suggestions to follow:

* Have your treats prepared by the door so you don't have to go hunting for them when the tricksters come.
* Create a unique way to hand out treats, in a carved out pumpkin or basket
* Clear your yard and walkway to remove any obstacles.
* Position pumpkins with candles in an area that is safe so children will not trip over them.
* Consider using flashlights instead of candles.
* Replace lights or bulbs that are burnt out so the area where the tricksters will arrive is brightly lit.
* Restrain any pets, as animals may become alarmed when children arrive at the door wearing unusual clothing.
* Make nutrition a consideration at Halloween by selecting healthy treats
* If you plan on dressing up to greet tricksters, remember that some younger children may be frightened of your costume. Avoid frightening small children.


HALLOWEEN COSTUME SAFETY

Whatever a child wants to be for Halloween, a movie character, or something more frightful, here are some important safety guidelines for making or buying a costume.

* Choose light colored costumes, or add glow-in-the-dark tape to both the front and back so your child can easily be seen.
* Make sure the costume is not too long or too heavy. Your child needs to be able to walk without tripping.
* Make props from cardboard. Don't let children carry sharp objects.
* Don't buy a costume unless it's labeled "flame retardant". This means the material is made so it won't burn easily.
* Children should wear their own shoes when trick or treating. Wearing costume shoes/boots can be dangerous and uncomfortable. High heel shoes should never be worn by children
* Wigs and beards should not cover a child's eyes or mouth.
* Don't let a young child wear a mask. Masks can make it difficult for children to see or to breathe. Instead, use face paint or makeup. Have younger children draw you a picture of what they want to look like. Older children will have fun putting the makeup on themselves.
* Put a nametag on your child's costume with their address and phone number just in case they get lost.


SCHOOLS AND HALLOWEEN SAFETY

* Teachers should review Halloween Safety Tips with their students.
* If classrooms or schools are planning Halloween events, they should observe the same safety suggestions listed (above) for parents.
* Teachers should use this opportunity to review the history of Halloween to clarify misconceptions and to lessen unnecessary worries or fears that children may have about this event.

Additional School Safety - Elementary

The same safety rules as for parents (above) should apply at school.

* School parties can be fun at Halloween time but they must be inclusive and allow all students to participate.
* If students are collecting monies for a charity, remind them of the importance of always being with an adult, especially if they are collecting money.
* Students need to be reminded about taking care while coming to and from school in costumes:
o wear own shoes
o do not cover faces
o do not use or wear anything that resembles a weapon.

 

[WaltD4Me]

The list seems to be all common sense things that most parents would do.
It's like on the news when they tell you to bundle up your children for the bus stop when it's 10 degrees outside. Of course YOU know to do that, but there are people out there that need reminding.

I know Disney Dad specifically doesn't believe in inspecting candy. As he explained in the other thread, tainted candy is an urban myth that he explained the origins of. So, other than that tip, I don't know what he thinks is so out of line. They are all just common sense reminders.

 

[little bob]

Hook, line and sinker. Lol

 

[Spaceace5150]

I'm just curious, why is this topic your personal crusade?

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

First of all, 2 posts hardly makes something a "crusdae". If so, then pretty much everyone on here is on some crusade or another.

As for the 40+ "safety" rules, the sheer number of rules is enough to scare many people from letting their kids out the door. The majority of the list is common sense, and personally I think that listing everything they can think of, no matter how remote the problem is, brings more fear than is necessary.


How many of you out there only trick or treat at houses you know? The whole point of Hallowwen is to bring a neighbourhood together. It's should be a celebration of people coming together, not over protecting kids.

 

[DisneyKevin]

First of all, 2 posts hardly makes something a "crusdae". If so, then pretty much everyone on here is on some crusade or another.

As for the 40+ "safety" rules, the sheer number of rules is enough to scare many people from letting their kids out the door. The majority of the list is common sense, and personally I think that listing everything they can think of, no matter how remote the problem is, brings more fear than is necessary.


How many of you out there only trick or treat at houses you know? The whole point of Hallowwen is to bring a neighbourhood together. It's should be a celebration of people coming together, not over protecting kids.

As someone who's lost a loved to a drugged driver hitting him while he was crossing the road, I'm a bit perplexed as to why you see reminding parents of the possibilities and some ways to avoid such horrible things as such a terrible thing and something that deserves derision.

I see this list as pretty mundane and common sense suggestions.

I dont think I've "trick or treated" since the late 60's and even then, we were told to stay in our neighborhood (and we knew everybody's house).

While the crimes against kids dont spike on Halloween, there are still crimes against kids.

Google "sex offenders" in your neighborhood. They are required by law to register. It's an eye opener.

As a parent, you are welcome to your views on parenting and what you allow your kids to do. But along those lines, I see your posts as criticizing parents who might be a bit more cautious and again, I'm perplexed.

By the way, I'm sure there will be a list prior to Christmas telling you to not plug 49 strands of lights into one outlet, not to use real candles on your tree, that marbles arent a good gift for an infant etc.

Just as with the Halloween list....you are welcome to take what you want from the list.

 

[jcb]

to not plug 49 strands of lights into one outlet

and I was so hoping for the Lights of Winter this year.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Open any new small appliance and one of the first safety rules is "DO NOT USE WHILE BATHING".

I'm sorry....if you are using your blow dryer while bathing...well that's called "thinning the herd".

 

[soupy11]

As someone who's lost a loved to a drugged driver hitting him while he was crossing the road, I'm a bit perplexed as to why you see reminding parents of the possibilities and some ways to avoid such horrible things as such a terrible thing and something that deserves derision.

I see this list as pretty mundane and common sense suggestions.

I dont think I've "trick or treated" since the late 60's and even then, we were told to stay in our neighborhood (and we knew everybody's house).

While the crimes against kids dont spike on Halloween, there are still crimes against kids.

Google "sex offenders" in your neighborhood. They are required by law to register. It's an eye opener.

As a parent, you are welcome to your views on parenting and what you allow your kids to do. But along those lines, I see your posts as criticizing parents who might be a bit more cautious and again, I'm perplexed.

By the way, I'm sure there will be a list prior to Christmas telling you to not plug 49 strands of lights into one outlet, not to use real candles on your tree, that marbles arent a good gift for an infant etc.

Just as with the Halloween list....you are welcome to take what you want from the list.

Good points Kevin, but I don't see a problem with discussing the real dangers that are out there versus the fabricated ones....which is all the op seems to be doing in this case. Drunk driving is very real (I am in the same boat as you having lost family and friends to that epidemic)....tampered candy, not so much.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Good points Kevin, but I don't see a problem with discussing the real dangers that are out there versus the fabricated ones....which is all the op seems to be doing in this case. Drunk driving is very real (I am in the same boat as you having lost family and friends to that epidemic)....tampered candy, not so much.

One of the points on the list has to do with checking candy to make sure it has not been tampered with.

The other 41 points are general safety guidelines.

While I see the majority of them being common sense, I dont see them as alarmist or over the top.

I think reminding parents to remind children not to run between parked cars, not to run through peoples gardens and to make sure your yard is cleared of possible dangers are all pretty good things to do.

No where on the list does anyone mention wrapping your kids in bubble wrap and locking them in the hope chest until the Halloween danger has past.

I still dont see the issue with this list.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Good points Kevin, but I don't see a problem with discussing the real dangers that are out there versus the fabricated ones....which is all the op seems to be doing in this case. Drunk driving is very real (I am in the same boat as you having lost family and friends to that epidemic)....tampered candy, not so much.

I haven't been trick or treating in 30 years. Long before the internet or 24 hour news reporting of pedophiles and dangers to children and my mom checked my candy. It took maybe 10 minutes if that. She just went through it and thew away anything that was open or that looked old. Maybe people tampering with candy is an urban myth, but I know my mom threw away a few things every year that just looked too old to eat. This year my SIL went through my niece's candy and threw away an open candy bar and some round peppermints like you get at a restaurant because she is too little to eat them. Choking hazard. No fuss, no muss, what is the big deal, worthy of posting about, if a parents wants to check their kids candy?

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Open any new small appliance and one of the first safety rules is "DO NOT USE WHILE BATHING".

I'm sorry....if you are using your blow dryer while bathing...well that's called "thinning the herd".

We definately agree on this one. Maybe my problem is that I assume common sense is common.

 

[jcb]

We definately agree on this one. Maybe my problem is that I assume common sense is common.

We are still, at least in the US, defending lawsuits by people who sue only on the theory that they have an irrational fear of some event.

It is not beyond belief that someone could sue a school because they didn't warn the children about Halloween safety. While the lawsuit would likely be tossed, may schools have such tight budgets the cost of the potential lawsuit itself would have an adverse impact.

Thus, we have irons being sold with "'Do not iron clothes on body" warnings and the warning in my chain saw operators manual about not sitting on the tree limb while cutting it off at the trunk.

 

[DisneyKevin]

in my chain saw operators manual

These are words I've never had occasion to speak or type.

 

[jcb]

You see, I always wanted to be a Lumberjack, leaping from tree to tree.