Halloween is an extremely popular holiday, with more Americans celebrating than ever before. Last year broke records as 171 million people participated in Halloween festivities, spending a new high of $8.4 billion on parties and costumes. As the holiday approaches, parents will want to include safety in their preparations for Halloween celebrations.
Visibility – Remind children of the rules of right-of-way before they go out trick-or-treating. Never assume a car can see you or that it will stop for you. Use well-lit streets and stay on the sidewalks. Only cross the road at crosswalks and never from between parked cars. Costumes that are bright and reflective can help prevent children from becoming victims of a car accident. Reflective tape can be purchased to add to readymade costumes. If you must go trick-or-treating after dark, carry flashlights or wear glow sticks.
Costume Safety – See that your child’s costume is not too long so that tripping and entanglement will not be a problem. Shoes should be sturdy since most children are out in the neighborhood for at least a few hours. If the costume involves a wig or mask, make sure it does not impair your child’s vision. If possible, replace masks with face makeup to avoid this issue. If purchasing a costume, read the label to see if it is flame retardant. Any swords, sticks, or wands should be checked for sharp edges. Falling on a sharp costume accessory could cause serious injury to a child.
Treats and Sweets – Before heading out for trick-or-treating, feed everyone a light meal or healthy snack to cut down on the temptation to eat the treats being collected. Do not eat treats on the go; it is best to take them all home and have an adult help with sorting and checking before consuming. The adult can make sure no candy has been tampered with and check for allergens if necessary.
Pumpkins – Small children should never carve pumpkins. They can use markers to draw a design which an adult can then carve for them. Use flameless candles to light pumpkins. If real candles are being used, then tea lights are the safest option. Never leave candles unattended or in the same room with pets. Display lit pumpkins on a solid level surface away from curtains and other flammable items.
Sidewalks and Lawns – Keep your sidewalks clear for all the costumed pedestrian traffic that will be coming through. Clean up natural debris like fallen leaves and sticks, as well as personal items like bikes and toys. Garden tools such as rakes and hoses should also be stored away to prevent a slip and fall on your property.
Many people look forward all year to celebrating Halloween and most will have a safe and uneventful celebration. If you or someone you love suffers an injury due to the negligence of another person, contact a Wilmington personal injury lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. to discuss your legal options. We have over 100 years combined experience and a proven track record over a wide range of personal injury cases. Call us at 302-656-5445 or 800-355-1818 to schedule a free consultation about your case or complete our online contact form. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, we serve clients throughout upstate and downstate Delaware.