Keeping your Kids Safe this Halloween

Halloween is a favorite time of year for kids of all ages. Kicking off the holiday season with a little dress-up make-believe, pumpkin carving, spooky games, and the sweetest of treats can create lasting memories for the whole family. Just don’t let the fun and frolic of the holiday season carry you away from your most important parental duty – your child’s safety.

Pedestrian Safety and Halloween

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration more than twice as many children are killed in pedestrian/ vehicle incidents on Halloween between 4 pm and 10pm than any other time of the year.

Besides traffic and visibility issues, your child may face other dangers such as eye injuries and burns (two of the most commonly reported injuries for Halloween night.)

Tips for Protecting Your Kids Halloween Night

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Equipping children with reflectors and glow sticks. Liquid in glow sticks can be hazardous to your child’s health, parents should caution children not to chew on or break open glow sticks.

Have an adult with a flashlight, accompany children under 12 years of age when trick or treating.
Teach children to always use sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, make sure they know to walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
Remind children to look left, right and left again and to cross only at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
Alert kids to watch for cars that may be turning or backing up or out of driveways, alleyways and garages.

For older kids, convey the many advantages of sticking together in a group while trick-or-treating and watching out for one another’s safety.

COSTUMES

Use reflective tape on costumes and bags so children are visible at night.
Choose light-colored costumes so kids can be easily seen.
Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision, if at all possible and choose non-toxic face paints and make-up.
Try to guide children away from costumes that require carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects. If something like this is required for authenticity, look for flexible, soft foam or rounded edge versions.
Avoid long, baggy or loose clothing that can easily get tangled or caught on something and/or trip your child.
Be sure to choose flame retardant costumes, wigs, beards and accessories to best protect your child from accidental burns.
What to do if Your Child Sustains an Injury

By following the tips above, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and happy Halloween. S

Should the unthinkable happen and you find your child has sustained an injury due to pedestrian accident or other Halloween night mishap, make sure your rights are protected and that other children are safe from future harm as well, by contacting the lawyers at Meshbesher Spence for a free consultation about your legal rights.
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