Your Guide to Halloween Safety
Halloween is a chance to pretend to be somebody else, stay out after dark, and eat too much candy. So, it’s no surprise that the holiday is magical for kids.
But just like your parents used to say, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Out in the dark, there are countless opportunities for the festivities to turn sour. No one wants a Halloween marred by an accident or injury, so we’re sharing some of the best ways to stay safe, no matter how you spend the holiday.
Trick-or-Treaters
Costumes are one of the most enjoyable parts of Halloween, but they can pose dangers under the wrong circumstances. Kids must be able to see despite their festive get-ups. Avoid masks because they can obstruct vision and choose non-toxic face paint instead. It’s equally important for children’s clothing to be visible in the dark. Attach reflective tape to costumes or trick-or-treat bags to ensure they’re visible to cars — or insist they carry glow sticks.
Once they’re out on the prowl for chocolate, trick-or-treaters must be mindful of traffic and road safety. Always accompany young children and review a well-lit route with older children in advance. Choose areas with sidewalks so children won’t need to walk on the road. Also, make sure devices are put away since the distractions they cause make accidents more likely. Finally, remind children to never go into a stranger’s home or car. No amount of candy is worth the risk.
Homeowners
Handing out candy is an ideal way for grown-ups to get in on the kid-sized fun of Halloween. Just make sure to create safe conditions for all of your young visitors. Ensure the outside of your home is as well-lit as possible by turning on lights and replacing outdoor bulbs. Remove leaves from your pathway or stairs to prevent slips and falls. Similarly, remove any toys, garden tools, or other objects children might trip over.
Jack-o-lanterns can also pose a safety hazard. Consider using battery-operated candles in your pumpkins instead of the traditional kind. That way, curious children won’t burn themselves, and clumsy ones won’t start a fire if they knock the pumpkin over.
Drivers
Did you know that childhood fatalities in car crashes double on Halloween? That sobering statistic is the reason we emphasize street safety for trick-or-treaters. But drivers also share the responsibility for keeping the community’s children safe, warns us Marietta Accident Attorney Ramiro Rodriguez, Jr.
Use extra caution when driving during dusk or later hours on Halloween. Remember that everyone might not follow our safety guidelines above, so be on the lookout for children walking along the side of the road or wearing dark clothing. Further, children are often impulsive and don’t make the best choices. Drive slower than usual, so if one darts out in front of your car, you’ll have extra time to stop. No matter whose fault it is, no one wants to be involved in a fatal car accident — especially not one involving a child.
Once the ground rules are covered, you’re ready to have a happy (though spooky) holiday. Make the most of it! Halloween only comes once a year — and, as all parents eventually learn, these childhood joys won’t last forever.
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