Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids (and some grownups). However, as much fun as it may be to dress up in elaborate costumes and “trick or treat” all night, it should come as no surprise that it also brings with it increased risks of accidents and injury. And no, we are not referring to the often told stories of apples and candy hiding razors. Those are mostly urban legends.
We are referring to the less told stories of all too real accidents and injuries. For example, there is an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. Also, let’s not forget that some people “celebrate” by consuming alcohol, hence increasing the risk of alcohol-related accidents.
But car accidents are not the only concern. Due to several factors, for example, the design of some costumes, dark conditions, poor illumination, etc., there is an increased risk of tripping and falling on an uneven sidewalk. There is also an increased risk of burn injuries. Those candles within jack-o-lanterns come to mind. And let’s not forget that some of those costumes can be highly flammable.
To help make this a safe and fun night for all those trick or treaters out there we’d like to share some terrific safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Please read them below and feel free to share them with your family and friends.
Halloween Safety Tips From The CDCP
- Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk-in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the number of treats you eat.
- Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
- Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
- Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
- Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
- Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Tampa and Lakeland Personal Injury Attorney
Pedro Morales
Burnetti, P.A.
