{"id":516,"date":"2017-09-22T08:35:34","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T11:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/halifax\/?p=516"},"modified":"2022-12-20T11:30:43","modified_gmt":"2022-12-20T15:30:43","slug":"allergies-are-scary-5-ways-to-stay-safe-this-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/halifax\/allergies-are-scary-5-ways-to-stay-safe-this-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergies? Here are 5 Ways to Stay Safe this Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Allergies

Halloween in Halifax\/Photo: Helen Earley<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

For parents of a child with a peanut allergy, Halloween can be a terrifying\u00a0 time. \u00a0If you know someone with a peanut allergy, here are some tips to help them stay\u00a0safe this Halloween Season.<\/p>\n

1. Be Safe on the Streets<\/h2>\n

When trick-or-treating, carry your child’s epi-pen. Make a “no snacking” rule during trick or treating. Bring some handy wipes for cleaning hands, and don’t accept any candy that isn’t packaged.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Call the Factory<\/h2>\n

Treat-size candy may have different ingredients or may be made on different machinery than the same regular-size candy. Ingredients and factory locations and processes change from year to year.\u00a0 Don’t listen to rumour. Phone the 1-800 number on the candy package, citing the UPC number of the candy. If in doubt, throw it out!<\/p>\n

3. Have a Super Swap Party<\/h2>\n

Following trick or treating, return home to a “super swap” party, where your child can exchange his or her unsafe treats for better stuff. \u00a0This activity will also help your child manage his or her own allergy when faced with food choices outside the home.\u00a0To dispose of unsafe treats, find a non-allergic neighbour and donate the unsafe candy to them. You’ll \u00a0definitely make a few new best friends!<\/p>\n

4. Contact Your School<\/h2>\n

Familiarize yourself with the allergy policy at your school. The Halifax Regional School Board Policy on Life Threatening Allergies can be found here.<\/a>\u00a0 As a parent of a child with a life-threatening allergy at an HRSB school, you must:<\/p>\n