Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday; it always has been. Kids get to dress up as anything they want to be, haunted houses scare the pants off everyone on October weekends, candy is everywhere, horror movie marathons are all over TV… it’s the best! But you know the saying, “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” Well, that’s what we all need to keep in mind around holidays like Halloween. Holiday Safety shouldn’t take away from the fun and excitement; it should give you peace of mind knowing that you can enjoy yourself without fear of someone getting hurt.
Kids are actually more than twice as likely to be fatally hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year (source). There are so many easy ways to ensure everyone’s safety, including all of those little trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood.
For Kids
If you or your employees have kids, there are so many great tips out there for keeping them safe for Halloween. Here are some easy things you can do to make sure it’s a fun holiday while keeping Holiday Safety a priority:
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Make sure costumes are practical. It might be fun to have a crazy, elaborate costume, but anything that limits mobility or vision could get someone hurt. Tripping hazards aren’t only present in the workplace; costumes can cause them too! And stick to makeup instead of masks so everyone can see what’s in front of them.
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Stick to well-lit and well-known paths for travel. Unfamiliar neighborhoods can be dangerous for kids of all ages, no matter how awesome the candy supply.
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A responsible adult should always accompany trick-or-treaters. You never know what could happen when the streets are filled with strangers out and about, especially in costumes.
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Make costumes easily seen with light or bright colors, glow sticks, or have kids carry a small flashlight. The easier they can be seen, the less likely you are to lose track of them and the less likely they are to go unnoticed by vehicle traffic.
For Adults
Kids aren’t the only ones who need to take precautions for staying safe on Halloween. There are things you can do to keep yourself and the kids safe:
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Drive slowly when trick-or-treating is happening in your neighborhood. Know that kids eager for candy are not always paying attention to their surroundings.
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Keep your costumes practical too. Watch for tripping hazards, obstructed vision, and hazardous props. A lot of DIY costumes use real household items rather than store-bought props, which can be far more dangerous in an accident.
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Discourage inexperienced drivers from being on the roads on Halloween.
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Keep fire and tripping hazards in mind when decorating for the holidays. You don’t want those festive candles setting baggy costumes or fake spiderwebs on fire.
Where can you get more Halloween safety tips?
The National Safety Council has some great resources for Halloween safety and every other holiday, season, and event that you can think of. Check out their safety tips, statistics, and other great resources to share with your employees and friends year round.
Safe Kids Worldwide is the place to go for all safety topics related to kids. Holidays are especially fun for the youngsters, and you want to make sure they always have a good time without worrying about injuries and accidents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are dedicated to keeping everyone healthy and safe at the same time. With a holiday centered around candy, it’s a smart decision to read through their quick tips on Halloween safety.
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