Staying Safe on Halloween: Tips for Children and Parents

It’s that time of year again! The time when children and adults alike dress up and have a fun night out! Whether it’s attending a costume party, hitting the Las Vegas Strip, or trick-or-treating, there are many safety risks that go hand-in-hand with Halloween. Lloyd Baker Injury Attorneys would like to remind you of some tips on keeping your family safe this Halloween:

Costume Tips:

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or contact with flame. Consider adding reflective tape or accessories for greater visibility.
Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. Glow sticks and lights also work great for children and are a fun way to keep them visibile.
Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Pumpkin Carving:

Children under 8 years of age should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do wish to use a candle, opt for a flameless one or one that glows.
Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended. Never leave a flame-lit pumpkin outside or on the porch alone.

At Your Home:

To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove anything from the porch and front yard that a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Trick or Treating:

If older children are going out alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. Have them carry a cell phone and stay in a group.
Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
Never cut across yards or use alleys.
Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will! Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are too common on Halloween night.
Sort and check treats before eating. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

Halloween is a holiday enjoyed by everyone. Following the proper precautions can help you enjoy the holiday injury free! However, we at Lloyd Baker Injury Attorneys know that accidents happen. Has your child or loved one sustained an injury on someone’s property? Please give us a call or submit a free consultation request on our website.