We’ve all heard Halloween horror stories. What’s even scarier, however, is when stories like these involve you or a loved one.
While this holiday can be a lot of fun for all ages, it’s important to make sure that you take a few simple precautions in order to mitigate potential safety risks. Unattended candles, dangerous costumes, flammable decorations, distracted drivers– Halloween night is full of hazards.
The pride at Potter Burnett Law wants everyone to have a safe and fun holiday, so we’ve pulled together a list of safety tips for you to follow so that the whole family can have a fun, safe, and not-so-scary Halloween.
1. Stay Safe While Trick-or-Treating
It can get pretty dark while trick or treating so make sure to carry a flashlight, especially in areas that don’t have streetlights. Make sure to also have a parent or guardian available to accompany younger children. Older children who are going out alone should review their route with an adult beforehand and specify a time to arrive home. Trick-or-treaters should only go to houses that have porch lights on and never enter a stranger’s house or car. No one should go trick-or-treating alone; stick with a group and bring a cell phone in case of emergency.
2. Remain Cautious of Vehicle Traffic
During Halloween, drivers are faced with many distractions that include parties in front yards, decorated houses, and interesting costumes- meaning the possibility of a car or pedestrian accident can increase. Parents can reduce the risk of their child being hit by a distracted driver by having their children wear a bright colored costume or reflective tape.
Always cross the street on a crosswalk and teach children to look both ways before crossing. Smartphones and other devices should be kept away while trick-or-treating to avoid distraction, and trick-or-treaters should always walk, not run, to the next house.
3. Practice Safe Driving
Those who are not trick-or-treating can also help keep children safe on Halloween. Drivers in particular should keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters and keep speeds low in residential areas. Turn headlights on early to increase visibility and take extra care when entering or exiting driveways or going through intersections. Distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and others, so drivers should maintain focus at all times, particularly when so many kids are out and about.
4. Pay Attention to Pets
Even the nicest dog may get overwhelmed with all the activity going on. You don’t want to risk any trick-or-treaters getting a dog bite, so make sure the dog is secure.
5. Stay Alert of Slip and Fall Hazards
Limit the potential for trips, slips and falls by clearing walkways of hazards like Halloween decorations. Also, be sure to clean up anything else on your lawn like garden hoses or flower pots. Use your flashlight to watch out for cracks in sidewalks or uneven walkways. Unexpected tree roots or dropped costumes props can also become tripping hazards.
Halloween should be a fun and exciting time for both you and your child. By following these safety tips, you should be all set to have an enjoyable and accident-free evening.
If you or a loved one become the victim of an unfortunate injury due to the neglect of another, make sure to call Potter Burnett Law to sit down and discuss your injury and the event that led to it.