Halloween Safety
With Halloween just three days away, now is a good time to plan ahead to make sure that your family has a fun, yet safe, holiday. Here are some easy reminders to ensure that everyone is practicing Halloween safety and has an enjoyable time trick-or-treating.
Make sure your children never go alone, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. Look before you step, and only cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible. Make sure you are obeying traffic signals such as WALK/DON’T WALK signs, and looking both ways before you cross the street.
Costumes can also play a role in Halloween safety. Make sure your children’s costume fits well, and doesn’t drag the ground in order to prevent tripping. If possible, stay away from the use of masks and costume contact lenses as they can hinder eyesight. Consider the use of makeup and decorative hats as a safer alternative. Also, if a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure that it is not too sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if they stumble or trip.
It’s also a good idea to double check your home to ensure safety for trick-or-treaters. You should remove debris from the porch and front yard, or anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations. Be sure to fill in any holes or low areas. You should also check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Leaves should be swept from sidewalks and driveways. Also, make sure to restrain all pets.
Some other great reminders to make sure everyone stays safe is to carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a fully charged cell phone for good communication. According to Protect America, 63% of children don’t carry a flashlight while trick-or-treating. Only approach houses that are well lit, and never enter a stranger’s home. If older children plan to go trick-or-treating alone, review a route that is acceptable to you and agree on a specific time for them to return. And then once you are home, inspect all candy and treats before you consume them. Throw away anything that is unwrapped or spoiled, and don’t eat anything that is homemade from someone you don’t know.
If you have any further questions regarding Halloween safety, please call us anytime at 1-251-300-2000, or just stop by our office anytime. At Greene & Phillips you never need an appointment!
