Have a Hazard-Free, Happy Halloween!
The best type of Halloween is a happy and safe one. Here’s how to prevent potential hazards that can quickly ruin your holiday.
Ghosts and goblins and witches, oh my! Halloween can be one of the most festive days of the year, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart. But along with the costumes, treats, and celebrations, potential hazards can ruin the fun.
Below are some Halloween hazards to avoid and tips to keep your family safe so all can enjoy every aspect of this deliciously ghoulish holiday.
- Tripping hazards – Many costumes can be too long or too baggy which can cause individuals to trip. Did you know that tripping is one of the most likely causes of injuries during Halloween? To lower the risk of tripping, make sure costumes aren’t too long or too baggy and that they fit properly. Also, skip any masks that can obstruct vision. Instruct kids to walk rather than run, use flashlights, and follow pathways instead of cutting across lawns and through flower beds.
- Fire hazards – Candles are a common Halloween decoration, but they can be a fire hazard. Never leave candles unattended and always make sure to keep flammable materials away from direct heat. You can also opt for flameless alternatives for your candle décor. Another common activity on Halloween is lighting fire pits while waiting for trick-or-treaters. Always be aware of your surroundings and be careful as you light any fires. Also, ensuring that costumes are made from non-flammable materials and are not too flowy, will help keep everyone safe. Remind kids to stay away from any lit candles or luminarias while going from house to house.
- Traffic hazards – Since trick-or-treating can entail walking out and about throughout neighborhoods, Halloween can be the most dangerous time for kids when it comes to potential traffic accidents. Teach kids to stay out of the road, to cross at the corner, and to look both ways before entering the street. Make sure that you and your children are easily visible, with reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights. Tell them safety comes first and they should never run, dart into the street, or play in areas where they’re not easily seen.
- Cutting hazards – Everyone loves a jack-o-lantern! One of the top causes of injuries during Halloween occurs when carving pumpkins. Short of not carving a pumpkin, there’s no way to avoid using a knife or other sharp object to get the job done, but be extra careful when cutting to lower the risk of injury. Don’t let young children use sharp knives and avoid distractions when cutting.
- Food hazards – Parents often check children’s candy for signs of tampering, but it’s more likely that your child will consume food that contains allergens than poison. Check for items that contain any foods your child is allergic to and watch out for cross-contamination. If your child goes to a party, talk to the host in advance to make sure your child doesn’t eat potentially unsafe foods. Limit how much candy is eaten at one time to avoid overconsumption, which can make a child (or you!) feel sick.
Halloween is one of the most festive holidays of the year. Don’t let getting injury or sickness ruin the fun. By following these safety tips and being alert, aware and cautious—you and your kids are likely to have an enjoyable holiday filled with lots of treats and no tricky mishaps.
