Getting hurt on Halloween can be more than scary. You can protect your children by following these eight Halloween safety tips from our Honolulu personal injury lawyers at Recovery Law Center.
Tips for Staying Safe on Halloween
1. Costume choices
It’s not just about winning a costume contest. A frightening statistic reveals that pedestrian motor vehicle crashes kill more children on Halloween than on any other day.
Make your child’s costume safe by using reflective materials. Have your child use flashlights and blinking lights so that drivers can see them.
In addition, make sure your child’s costume isn’t too long or bulky in a way that may cause a fall.
2. Paths and sidewalks
Keep your group on sidewalks and paths wherever you can. Consider trick-or-treating in areas with light traffic. Cross the street carefully, using crosswalks whenever possible.
3. Safe footwear
While ghosts don’t worry about slipping and falling, you don’t want a fall to bring trick-or-treating to an early end. Your child’s footwear is essential.
Ensure their shoes fit properly and are equipped with treads and grooves that enhance grip and prevent slipping.
4. Masks
Many Halloween costumes have masks, but they can create a danger if your child can’t see. Your child needs to see others around them, and they need to see cars. They need to see the ground where they’re walking.
If your child wants to wear a mask, make sure they can see, or have them pull the mask off between stops.
5. Fire
Jack-o-lanterns are fun to make and display, and they can also cause fires. Candles cause 2% of home fires. When you’re showing off your pumpkin-carving skills, always stay in the room with a lit candle. Move your jack-o-lantern away from drapes and other hazards.
Paper bags with flames inside them are not a good idea, whether outside or inside. Use lights instead.
6. Driveway dangers
If you expect trick-or-treaters at your house, remove trip and fall hazards. Remove slippery leaves, mulch and uneven mats that may cause a fall.
7. Vulnerable property
Travelers Insurance reports a 17% increase in crime-related claims on Halloween. They say that people may think committing a crime on Halloween is okay. They may also be opportunistic, knowing that people are distracted or away from their homes.
Secure your home, vehicle and, personal belongings. Remain aware of your surroundings.
8. Plan with your child
Discuss the night’s plan with your child. If they’re young, go with them. If they’re going out independently on their own, discuss routes, timelines, who they’ll be with, and when to return. Remind them to use sidewalks and crosswalks. Tell them to slow down and be mindful. They should know how to reach you if they need help.
Be Safe this Halloween!
At Recovery Law Center, we make our community a better place by fighting for the rights of adults and children unjustly hurt. We’re in the recovery with you when life gets scary.
