Halloween is a day that some people wait for all year. Whether you plan your costume and begin preparations months in advance, simply enjoy spending the evening with friends or family, or do not observe the holiday, you should act with heightened vigilance on this festive day. In addition to bringing fun for many, Halloween unfortunately also brings an increased risk for slips, falls, collisions, and other dangerous accidents.
With that in mind, here are a few Halloween safety tips to keep you and your children safe.
1. Costumes
One of the key elements of Halloween is the costumes. From cute and cuddly to creepy and scary, the costumes display the creativity and personality of the wearers. However, they can pose a health risk as well. It is important to wear fire-resistant costumes, as well as costumes that are brightly colored to increase visibility on dark streets.
Furthermore, costumes should be the correct size to avoid tripping accidents, and face paint should be used instead of masks to allow for more visibility. If props, such as swords, are used, you should make sure they are not sharp or too long.
2. Roadways
With the increased foot traffic from trick-or-treaters, drivers should be extra cautious when driving through residential neighborhoods. Using headlights, even before the sun goes down completely, can help you be more visible to those walking on sidewalks. Drivers should also slow down, avoid distractions, and watch out for children and others on the streets. Furthermore, pedestrians should avoid walking between parked cars, dodging across the street without looking both directions, and jaywalking.
It is a good idea to stay within areas that are well-lit by streetlamps, to walk to each location instead of run, and to stay in groups.
3. Candy
Sadly, reports of treats that have been tampered with have given rise to increasing safety concerns regarding candy. It is important to check each piece of candy to make sure it is factory sealed and unopened.
Furthermore, rotten or suspicious looking treats should be thrown away, and parents should carefully check the candy to make sure their children are safe from choking hazards. It is also a good idea to spread the candy out for a few days instead of eating it all at once.
While this requires a substantial amount of self-control, it can help avoid stomach aches. Candy is an essential part of the Halloween celebration.
By following these guidelines, you can help keep your children safe and healthy even after the day is over.
4. Private Property
Halloween is a unique holiday when strangers come onto your property to get candy. This gives rise to liability for property owners. If someone slips and falls, or is injured by a hazardous condition on your property, you can be held liable in court.
Thus, you should make sure your walkways are clear, your porch is well lit, and your decorations are away from heat sources and out of the way of visitors. Furthermore, you should limit or avoid using strobe lights and fog machines that can greatly impair visibility.
It is also a good idea to put warning signs by any steps, uneven pavement, or dangerous conditions that could threaten the wellbeing of those coming to your doorstep.
What Should You Do If an Injury Happens?
If you or a loved one are injured during Halloween festivities, the first step you should take is to seek medical attention.
If the injury is minor, you may be able to start documenting evidence to build your case. This involves taking pictures or videos of the scene, getting the contact information of witnesses, and writing down everything you can remember about the incident, including the time of day and order of events.
By gathering evidence as soon as possible, you can strengthen your argument and pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
