There are so many scares wrapped up in Halloween, and we’re not just talking about scary movies and haunted houses. We’re talking about the very real risks that accompany children and their trick-or-treat activities.
First off, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween. But aside from the pedestrian safety, which we’ve discussed on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, you’ve got to worry about the risks involved with dangerous costumes, tricky candy and dangerous properties.
Our Pompano Beach personal injury lawyers understand that the excitement of children and adults at this time of year can sometimes make them not as careful. We’re here to offer some safety tips that can help to ensure that you and your family enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween.
-Check costumes before purchasing. Choose disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks.
-Check and adjust the length of costumes to avoid trip and fall accidents.
-Add reflective material or tape to keep kids visible. Trick-or-treaters should also carry a flashlight with fresh batteries to help them see and be seen.
-Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
-Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
-Skip the capes. Capes can pose strangulation risks, and could get caught on something or cause a child to trip.
-Try to get your kids to trick-or-treat while it’s still light out. If it’s dark, make sure someone has a flashlight and pick well-lighted streets.
-Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Don’t allow them to eat any un-inspected candy while out trick-or-treating.
-Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys.
-Caution youngsters not to drink any beverages offered to them while trick-or-treating.
-Be a model by eating the candy in moderation yourself. If that’s a problem for you, give away non-food treats or hold off buying your candy until the last minute and get rid of leftovers right away.
-Do not go inside anyone’s home. Remain on the porch at all times.
-Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
-Although tempting, do not bring your dog along for trick-or-treating. Even the best-trained dogs can become spooked or aggressive in the noise and confusion of Halloween. Children you encounter may also be fearful of dogs.
-Be on the lookout for other dogs in the area. They can get wound up on a night like this and can be highly unpredictable.
-If you’re staying home this year, prepare your home for trick-or-treaters by cleaning and clearing your porches, sidewalks, and lawns.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Freeman Injury Law for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Baby Cribs Present Injury Risks in South Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, October 12, 2013
Back To School: Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in South Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, August 16, 2013