Though the main goal is to have a good time on Halloween, there are important safety guidelines that can keep you, your loved ones, and friends out of harm’s way. Following them requires minimal preparation and can prevent injuries and even fatalities.
Costume Safety
The key objective for Halloween costume safety is to ensure that trick-or-treaters and anyone else outside in the dusk or dark is visible to others. Children can wear reflective striping or tape on their costumes and carrying bags, or have them carry flashlights or glow sticks. This safety tip applies to adults as well.
Avoid footwear that is hard to walk in or more likely to cause slip and falls. A long gown or pants can also cause children to trip, so have them do a test run in the house before they head out.
As for Halloween masks, the eye holes need to be large enough to be seen through, and any mask that makes it hard to breathe should be fixed or replaced with a better one. Also, be sure that your trick-or-treaters are not wearing toxic makeup, wearing colored contact lenses, or carrying sharp objects, like sticks or fake swords.
Going Door-to-Door
It is always safer for children to trick-or-treat in groups, and the younger ones should be accompanied by responsible adults. Older ones can share their intended routes with their parents or caregivers, carry cellphones, and agree to check-in and be home at certain times. They should only go to familiar, well-lit areas and avoid knocking on doors when the homes do not have lights on.
Also, remind your children to only cross at corners, to check both ways before moving into the street, and to never get into a stranger’s car. When they get home, check through all the goodies to make sure that they are safe to be eaten.
Driving on Halloween
While the youngest children often start their candy-seeking adventures when they get home from school, the rush hour generally begins an hour or two later. Once it starts to get dark, it is harder to see the children, teens, and adults going door-to-door. It is best not to drive at all on Halloween, but this is not possible for many people. If you are behind the wheel, be extra alert for pedestrians and follow the posted speed limits and traffic signs and signals. Always give people on foot the right-of-way.
Some teenagers and adults behave badly on Halloween. This is a big day for alcohol and drug consumption, so be prepared for the possibility of encountering intoxicated drivers. If you do plan to imbibe, get a designated driver, use public transportation, or set up a ridesharing service. All of these tips will help you avoid a Halloween car accident.
COVID-19 Safety
The threat of getting COVID-19 still exists, so it is prudent to be careful on Halloween. Outdoor parties are better than indoor ones, and anyone who feels sick should just celebrate at home.
Those who have not been vaccinated should wear masks when trick-or-treating or attending gatherings, as should anyone with underlying health conditions that put them at risk. Children under 2 years old should not be wearing masks. Take them out as early as you can, as there will be less exposure.
To protect yourself, prepackage the treats and have them ready to go when the time comes. Many people stay outside to give the treats and wear masks.
At-Home Halloween Safety
If you have a pet, make sure that they are kept away from the door and/or restrained because you would not want your dog or cat to jump on or bite a visitor.
Replace any burned-out outdoor lights, sweep away debris and wet leaves from your sidewalks/steps/porches, and remove any tripping hazards, like lawn decorations and garden hoses.
Pumpkin carving can also be hazardous if you are not careful. Small children should not carve them, but they can draw on the faces with markers. The best way to carve a pumpkin is with a small pumpkin saw; you can find these in stores that have Halloween goods. When cutting, direct that blade away from yourself and others. Use a glow stick or small flashlight, as lit candles are fire hazards.
Halloween parties can be a blast but can get out of hand if you are not keeping a close watch. Underage teenagers are notorious for sneaking in alcohol, so they should be monitored throughout the event.
If you plan to serve alcohol to adults, also serve plenty of food, and make sure that no one overindulges to the point of putting themselves and others in danger. Anyone who is too drunk to drive should have a safe way to get home. Do not be afraid to step in and tell them that they should not be driving.
Towson Personal Injury Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Advocate for Halloween Safety
Halloween is enjoyable, but it comes with inherent risks. If you have been injured in an accident, speak with one of our experienced Towson personal injury lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Call us at 443-589-0150 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today. We are located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, and we proudly assist clients in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
