Few get a bigger kick out of the Halloween than children, as they enjoy picking out costumes, time with friends, and collecting free candy and other treats. While Halloween is certainly fun, the Children’s Safety Network (CSN) warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen, noting that it is the most dangerous day for pedestrians.
In prioritizing safety on Halloween, the following these guidelines can help.
- Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Costumes should not cover feet or drag on the ground.
- Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help.
- Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating by using reflective tape on trick-or-treat bags or costumes. Carrying flashlights or glow sticks also helps.
- Stay on sidewalks. Stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads.
- Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. Adults should inspect all candy and treats before they are eaten.
- Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep them in a quiet room to prevent them from getting loose, injured, or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.
- Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so it is best to avoid them.
- Test out makeup beforehand. Makeup for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use and heed package warnings.
These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incident-free this year.
