Holidays of all kinds are looking a little different these days than they used to due to the pandemic, but they can still be just as magical, especially Halloween! Halloween is a favorite amongst children and adults alike- who doesn’t love free treats and dressing up? It’s the one night of the year that you can be just about anything you like and let go.

But spooky season can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. There’s a horror story every year about people getting hurt while trick or treating or attending parties. Fortunately, whether you are a parent and tagging along with your children as they trick or treat, or simply someone who throws the best Halloween Bashes every year, you can benefit from any of the safety tips below to ensure that not only is your Halloween enjoyable, but it is safe as well.

Costume Safety

 

Besides the free candy and treats, the next best part about Halloween is dressing up! Oftentimes though, costumes can be a source of safety hazards. Below are some tips for making costumes safe for trick or treaters.

• All costumes, wigs, and other accessories should be fire resistant.

• Try to discourage mask wearing, as masks can limit their visibility. Use makeup for effect instead if possible.

• If trick or treaters are going to be outside after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks so that oncoming cars can see them and avoid hitting them.

• Ensure that any costume makeup you purchase is non-toxic and verify that it won’t cause a reaction by testing some of it on a small area of your child’s skin first before applying it to their faces and bodies.

• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

 

During Festivities

 

Did you know that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year? Now that’s scary. Accidents such as these occur due to poor visibility and low lighting as well as a lack of protective equipment being used at night such as reflector tape. Keep some of these tips in mind when you and your children are out on Halloween night:

• Accompany young children when they are out for Halloween to keep an eye on them and ensure their safety.

• If you have older children you trust to go out alone, make sure their phones are charged and they have all the necessary emergency numbers if something happens. Review their route to determine the safety of it, and have them regularly check in with you while they are out, and determine where and when you will pick them up.

• Teach children to never to enter a stranger’s home or car, no matter what.

• Tell children to stick together and only walk around places they know or are familiar with while they are out.

• Remind your kids to be careful and check their surroundings before crossing the street. This includes informing them to stay off their phones and keep distractions to a minimum when crossing the street and walking around.

 

Safety Tips for Drivers

 

It’s not only people who are participating in Halloween Festivities that need to be careful. General safety protocols should be taken even from motorists who may be out on the road Halloween night. As a responsible driver, you should do the following:

• Be proactive while driving and pay attention to the road while driving. Distracted driving is the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents.

• Don’t drink and drive. There are bound to be alcoholic beverages at most Halloween parties you may be finding yourself attending. Know your limits and don’t try to drive at all if you’re even “just a little” bit tipsy or drunk.

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

• When it starts to get dark and well into the evening, watch for children wearing dark clothing so you don’t hit them.

• Try to prevent your teen or a new driver from driving on Halloween.

For more tips, check out the links here and here. 

Have a happy and safe Halloween!