Urban legends about poisoned Halloween candy have been thoroughly debunked. But there are real dangers parents and guardians should consider as they prepare their kids and teens for a fun night out.
Even if you don’t have young children, it’s important to stay vigilant on the road throughout the festivities. It’s also a good idea to check around your property for potential hazards.
Below, the attorneys at Hagelgans & Veronis discuss safety tips to ensure a fun Halloween.
Beware Pedestrian Injuries
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween.
Here are a few ways to avoid an accident:
- Young children should ALWAYS be chaperoned by an adult. Plan a big group outing—there’s safety in numbers!
- Always use the sidewalk.
- Make sure your child can see. Masks, wigs, and costumes shouldn’t block their vision.
- Costumes should fit well to avoid tripping or contact with flame.
- Reflective tape, flashlights, or glow sticks make children more visible to drivers.
Kids should also have a plan in case an accident occurs. Review how to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.
Parents should also advise children to hold off on eating candy until they get home—this will allow parents time to inspect candy for potential dangers, particularly allergens or suspicious homemade treats.
Avoid Property Pitfalls
Homeowners should consider dangers on their property, particularly on Halloween. For example:
- Remove anything a child could trip over like garden hoses, toys, extension cords, and lawn decorations from the porch and front yard.
- Ensure adequate lighting. Replace any broken or burned-out bulbs.
- Ensure walkways are clear and free of debris. Wet leaves or snow could become a hazard.
- Ensure all pets are properly restrained, safe, and comfortable.
Keep Tabs on Teens
Independent teens can enjoy their freedom on Halloween, and parents can track their whereabouts with useful apps like Life360 or Glympse. These apps let you track users in real-time using phone GPS; they’re free and available on iOS and Android.
Halloween is also a good time to review the dangers of behaviors like distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Careless teen drivers are a danger to themselves as well as others. Talk with your teen about responsible driving behaviors.
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