With the opportunity to dress up and eat sweets, Halloween is a popular holiday among kids and adults. Unfortunately, some of the highlights of the season can lead to Halloween accidents.
Ensure adequate lighting
For your safety and that of visitors and trick-or-treaters, it's a good idea to have your home's exterior well lit. When there is sufficient lighting, there's a much lower chance of anyone tripping and falling on your property.
You can turn on all of your outdoor lights on Halloween or opt for an easier way. Remote lighting illuminates your property automatically, as soon as someone enters your yard. There's no need for you to remember to turn the lights on or off.
Avoid fire hazards outdoors
Carved pumpkins and Halloween cut-out paper luminary bags are traditionally lit up with candles. Such decorations are fire hazards, however, that can lead to Halloween accidents. This is especially the case if you put these decorations along the sidewalk or at the front door. A child or adult's costume could brush past the flame and catch fire. Easily and safely replicate the look of a live flame with battery-operated candles.
Choose costumes wisely
If your child's costume is cumbersome or would create a tripping hazard, insist on choosing another outfit, or do some alterations to make the costume safe. Encourage picking a costume without a mask or headdress that could obscure sight. If the costume comes with a sword or other accessory, consider having your child leave it at home to play with before or after trick-or-treating. Accessories can cause accidents when walking. Also, if fall chill is already in the air where you live, opt for warm clothing.
Practice safe trick-or-treating
Ensure trick-or-treat safety by making sure that your children stay on the sidewalk. You can't see what neighbors might have on their lawns that a princess or super hero might trip over.
When walking in the street, be vigilant around cars, and teach your kids to do the same to help ensure their safety.1
Make sure that your children are easily seen by motorists by choosing light-colored or reflective costumes. It's also helpful to have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
Teach your children to look both ways before crossing the street and to always use available crosswalks. It's also a good idea to cross the street in groups when trick-or-treating.
Avoid poisoned pet accidents
If you have a dog or cat, it's imperative that you keep Halloween candy out-of-reach. Dogs, in particular, have a tendency to eat candy that could be potentially deadly, such as those containing chocolate or artificial sweeteners. When pets eat paper, it can become lodged in their intestines.
Call your vet or the Poison Control Center immediately if you suspect that your pet has eaten any candy.2
Monitor visitors
While most of the visitors coming to your door on Halloween will be trick-or-treaters who just want something sweet, criminals can take the holiday as an opportunity to attempt break-ins. A security system that includes video surveillance and remote access gives you the tools to spot a crime before it happens, so that you can respond quickly.
"Halloween is a fun holiday for kids of all ages," says a spokesperson with Ackerman Security. "Follow these simple security rules, and you and your family are sure to enjoy a safe, spooktacular holiday."
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- https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control