Whether you have children who will be heading door to door on Halloween night or you’re planning to decorate your property to spook unsuspected trick or treaters, following these five safety tips can help prevent injury.
1. Practice Safe Walking
Remind your children about traffic safety, especially if they are headed out with friends. They should cross only at crosswalks when the signal is lit, and look both ways before entering traffic. Instruct your kids to walk only on sidewalks or paths and to never dart out between parked cars. Flashlights or glow sticks can help improve visibility. They should also avoid using smartphones and other mobile devices while walking. Children younger than 12 should always trick or treat with parental supervision. Older children should only travel a preapproved route and avoid entering any home or car.
2. Costume Considerations
Kids should wear makeup instead of masks that can limit visibility. Costumes should be adorned with reflective tape and fit correctly to avoid injury from falling. All clothing, wigs, and accessories should be flame resistant. Make sure that accessories such as swords are dull enough that they won’t cause accidental harm. When opting for makeup, choose a nontoxic formula and test it on a small patch of skin first to avoid irritation or allergic reaction. Colored contacts should never be worn, since they have not been fitted by a doctor and could damage the eye.
3. Protect Your Pets
If you have pets, avoid jack o’lanterns with open flames, since your pet could inadvertently knock the decoration over and start a house fire. Wires should be out of reach so that cats and dogs don’t chew on them and create an electrical hazard. Avoid dressing your pets in costumes, which can often have small pieces that are choking hazards for furry friends and young children alike. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification in case they get spooked by the doorbell and run off into the neighborhood.
4. Driver Dos and Don’ts
Anyone on the road on Halloween night should take extra care to be aware of pedestrians. Drive slowly, particularly in residential neighborhoods, and check for children in intersections and along the periphery of roads. Turn headlights on early in the day and eliminate all distractions before driving. Be especially careful when entering and exiting driveways and alleyways, ensuring that all paths are clear before moving forward. Most towns limit trick or treating to a few hours in the evening, so check the times and avoid driving in that interval if possible.
5. Avoid Injury on Your Property
Make sure to provide a clear path for trick or treaters to avoid a personal injury lawsuit if someone falls on your property. Remove any leaves, debris, or toys that can cause tripping, and make sure that all outdoor bulbs are replaced and turned on. If it snows in your area in October, take steps to remove snow and ice from walkways. Keep pets restrained so they don’t get loose and potentially injure or bite a visitor.
