Spooky season is nearly upon us, but before you and your loved ones head out in costume or to stock up on candy, it’s a great time to brush up on some simple Halloween safety tips. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house, trick-or-treating, or simply enjoying the festivities from the comfort of your own home, with a little preparation you can be sure to keep the night full of fun…and free from frights of the wrong kind! 

Pedestrian Safety Tips

According to Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW), on average, children are twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Before hitting the town, be sure to review the following pedestrian safety tips from SKW:

• Cross the street at corners, always using traffic signals and designated crosswalks
• Before crossing the street, look left, right, and then left again. Continue to look as you cross the street 
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them
• Put all electronic devices down! Distractions are extremely dangerous
• Walk, do not run, across the street
• Avoid looking down while crossing
• Always walk on sidewalks or pathways. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the left as you are able
• Keep an eye out for cars that are making turns or backing up
• Teach children never to dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars
• Accompany children 12-years-old and below for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without adult supervision, make sure they stick to areas they are already familiar with and that are well lit 
• It is safest to trick-or-treat in groups

Tips for Drivers

Because Halloween falls on a Friday this year, drivers should be sure to exert caution for the entirety of Halloween weekend. Refer to the SKW’s driving safety tips below:

• Slow down! Be extra alert and cautious in residential areas where there may be even more children trick-or-treating. Remember, kids can be excitable, so they are more prone to moving unpredictably
• Enter and/or exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully
• Take extra time to watch for children at intersections, at medians, and on curbs
• Avoid all distractions behind the wheel. This means not using your phone, eating, drinking, or even fiddling with the GPS or radio stations; in other words, avoid all behaviors and actions that take your attention away from the road
• Turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children more easily and at greater distances
• Some of the most popular trick-or-treating times are between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Be extra cautious during those hours!
  

Costume Safety Recommendations

There isn’t much debate: dressing up can be one of the most fun and exciting parts that Halloween has to offer! Unfortunately, even costumes come with some of their own unique risks and hazards. The good news is that by taking a few simple and easy steps, you can be sure to look — and feel – your best. Here are some of the SKW’s important costume safety tips: 

• Make sure to decorate bags and costumes with reflective tape and/or stickers. If you can, choose light colors for your costume so that motor vehicle drivers can see you more easily
• Have children carry glow sticks and/or flashlights to help them be visible to drivers and others on the road
• Opt for face paint and makeup whenever possible, since masks can obstruct a child’s vision and make it difficult for them to observe their surroundings. Be sure to use nontoxic products that won’t cause irritation or cause an adverse reaction
• When picking a costume, make sure that it is the right size and length to avoid fall hazards
• Ensure that wigs, costumes, and all accessories are fire-resistant
• Remove all makeup before bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

At the end of the day, Halloween is all about having fun, making memories, and for some of us, eating too much candy. Just remember to keep safety in mind, no matter if you are trick-or-treating, heading to a party, or handing out goodies from home. A little extra caution goes a long way in making sure that everyone has a spooky and safe night. From the entire team at Galfand Berger, Happy Halloween!

 

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