Halloween Safety
Spooky spider webs cover trees and bushes while mini grave yards pop up in unexpected places. Little ghouls and goblins run through the streets along with tiny clones of Darth Vader and Cruella Deville. Halloween can be spooky enough without worrying about the added dangers the season brings.
To help you have a good time this coming weekend and protect against Halloween’s scarier hazards, I offer the following safety tips, many taken from the Trusted Choice® website.
- Prevent Accidents: Remove or move lawn furniture, or any other obstacles, to avoid accidents or damage. Repair broken stairs and walkways to avoid trick-or-treaters’ injuries on your property. Be sure handrails are firmly attached. Shed as much light on porches and walkways as possible.
- Fire Dangers: Prevent fires by making sure pumpkins containing candles are placed at a distance where a child’s costume cannot be ignited or a curious guest may tip it over. Extinguish all candles before going to bed and use battery operated lights wherever possible.
- Costume Safety: Be careful with costumes. All disguises should be made from flame-resistant materials. Hem or cut off the bottom of costumes that are too long. Save masks and sharp accessories for the party or costume judging. For trick-or-treating replace masks that may obscure vision with hypo-allergenic make-up instead.
- See and Be Seen: Encourage each trick-or-treater and adult chaperones to carry a flashlight. Apply light-reflecting material or glow sticks to costumes.
- Power in Numbers: When walking, travel in groups and cross only at corners and crosswalks—never between parked cars—and stay on well-lit streets.
- Don’t be a Scary Driver: Drive sober, slowly and even more carefully than usual on Halloween. Watch for children who may be running or wearing dark costumes in the road.
- Unwelcomed Guests: Scare away potential property vandals who often strike on Mischief Night (also called Devil’s Night or Goosey Night) by keeping outdoor lights on.
- Pet Safety: Keep your pets inside and away from the front door as you pass out candy. Warn your children to stay away from animals as they go door-to-door. Halloween night can be stressful on even the friendliest dog or cat or other creatures.
- Candy Inspection: Cavities aren’t the only candy-related risks on Halloween. Inspect all children’s treats. Never eat unwrapped items, collect candy only from those you know and ask the local police department if it offers a candy x-ray and/or inspection service. Throw away any suspicious candy. Better yet, let them keep the candy from a few trusted family or friends and swap the rest with you for a toy or treat.
Wishing you and your family a spooktacular Halloween!
