Keeping our little ghouls and goblins safe this Halloween is at the top of the list for all parents. In an effort to help keep kids safe, we would like to share 10 Halloween safety tips that are great to remember.
Please Have a Safe Halloween
1. Cars Not Seeing Kids: Fall nights, dark costumes, the smaller height of children and distractions can cause a driver not to see a child. It is important to cross the street at corners, stay on the sidewalk and increase your child’s visibility by using reflective material on costumes, wear bright clothing and use glow sticks. Parents should always carry a flashlight. If the child is responsible enough, they too should carry a flashlight. (Kids think it is super fun!)
2. Kids Not Seeing Cars: Kids become overly excited on Halloween and may not pay attention when crossing a street. It is very important to remind them to watch out for their own safety and stay on the sidewalk. Remind children to always look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Let them know to make sure that a car stops before they walk in front of it. This simple reminder is important for all.
3. Masks and Vision: Masks are a traditional favorite and it is important that a child be easily able to navigate their way while wearing one. Of course, face paint is a safer alternative and it is fun to apply too! But if your child insists on wearing a mask, don’t be afraid to enlarge the eye area of the mask for clearer visibility.
4. What to Do if Lost: Always talk to your child about what they should do if they are ever separated from you. With older children carrying their own cell phone, this isn’t much of a problem; however, younger children need a plan. It is a good idea to write your address and phone on their costume or put it inside their treat bag. (A business card can work too.) Children are taught not to speak to strangers; in the event of a separation this may be necessary. Stress that entering a stranger’s car or home is NEVER allowed even if they pretend to know mommy and daddy.
5. Running Through Yards: While Trick-or-Treating, explain to your children not to run through yards between houses. Not only is it bad manners, but it can result in serious injures. Low hanging branches can cause permanent eye injuries. Uneven lawns and holes can sprain a knee or ankle. Tree support wires and stakes also present a real hazard. These types of dangers are almost impossible to see in the dark.
6. Toy Weapons: Swords and knives should be flexible, not sharp in any way. Don’t assume that accessories are safe just because they are sold in a package as part of the costume. It is not only a poking and injuring other kids issue, but it is also a falling and being stuck issue.
7. Stay Away from Bad People: Know who your neighbors are; check the safety of your surroundings by going to the Georgia Sex Offender Registry to discover if a sex offender lives in your neighborhood. The website is an informative tool allowing citizens to be more alert and aware of their community.
8. Jack O’Lanterns: Using a tool from a pumpkin carving kit minimizes the risk of injury associated with the use of a regular kitchen knife. The carving tool reduces the amount of pressure needed to cut the design in the pumpkin. Children should never handle a sharp knife unless mature enough to do so and properly supervised. Also, be mindful of curious hands looking to pickup a stray knife left on a table by taking the knife with you or putting out of reach of the child.
9. Tampered Food: Any treat that is homemade, opened or altered should be thrown away. Tell your children that they can only eat treats that you say are ‘okay’.
10. Fire Safety: Sometimes homes will be adorned with a variety of Halloween decor and it’s sometimes hard to tell if the lighted decorations are lit by candle or the battery operated votives. Children should be made aware of this and to watch for floor level decorations that their costumes could potentially come into contact with. If a child’s costume catches fire, it is important that they are taught the “Stop, Drop & Roll” method; having your child practice this method will help them to react quickly in the event this were to happen.
For more great ideas on Child Safety, please visit Safe Kids Gainesville / Hall County.
Please have a safe and fun Halloween from all of us at A. Bishop Law!
At A. Bishop Law, in Gainesville, Georgia, we welcome anyone with any Safety questions to Call or Email us for a confidential and free consultation.
About the author: Anne Bishop is a Hall County Georgia Safety and Injury Lawyer with Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys in Gainesville, Georgia and handles various Safety and Injury matters. The law office of Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys can assist clients through out Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), White County (Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Gwinnett County (Buford, Sugar Hill, Lawrenceville), Dawson County (Dawsonville), and all of Georgia.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional legal, medical or safety advice.