Halloween Survival Tips For Kids And Adults
Tips For The Perfect, Kid-Friendly Halloween
Halloween is arguably one of the more festive holidays celebrated in the United States. What child doesn’t love costumes, getting hopped up on sugar and the freedom to run around at night begging for free candy? Still, children and adults take on quite a few risks on Halloween that can be easily addressed and prevented.
A Safe Kids Worldwide survey reports that one out of every nine parents lets their kids (aged 5 or younger) trick-or-treat without adult supervision. Preteens and teenagers are easily distracted and should not be allowed to trick-or-treat by themselves, let alone care for a smaller child.
Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
The perfect Halloween costume will be made of flame-resistant material and be easily visible at night. The ideal costume is light in color; dark costumes should have reflective tape attached. Nontoxic makeup is a must, as is requiring children to carry flashlights or glow sticks for easy visibility. Lastly, stay away from masks, long and baggy costumes, and sharp objects like swords.
Premises Liability Tips For Homeowners
Premises liability can be the last thing on a homeowner’s mind on such a festive night, yet the responsibility is still on them to keep their property well-maintained. Follow these easy tips for safety and peace of mind:
- Keep your jack-o-lanterns far away from doorsteps where children’s costumes might brush against the flame.
- Check your lawn for obstacles or holes that may cause trips or slips.
- Test your front steps and porches to make sure they are safe and that the surface is not slick.
- Keep your lawn and front porch well-lit.
- Indoors, keep all candles away from any material that could be ignited.
- Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
- Keep pets behind closed doors or in crates, especially fearful or aggressive dogs.
Tips For Adults In Cars
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 50 percent of motor vehicle accidents occurring on Halloween are alcohol-related. Statistics also show that children are 136 percent more likely to be killed or injured as pedestrians between the hours of 3 and 9 p.m. on Halloween than on any other day, a truly frightening and sobering reality. Follow these simple guidelines to help keep yourself, your family and others safe.
- If you plan on drinking alcohol, decide on a designated, sober driver before going out.
- If you’re drunk, call a cab, take a bus or call a sober friend to drive you home.
- Always buckle up.
- Stay alert for children crossing streets at all locations.
- Drive slowly through residential areas. It’s common for kids to dart into the streets or walk on roads, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Watch for children in dark clothing.
- Make sure your vehicle has working headlights and clean windows so children are more visible; kids act erratically.
Sources:
National Safety Council, “Halloween Safety”
Safe Kids Worldwide, “Halloween Safety: A National Survey of Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors,” October 2011
