This time of year we like to remind everyone on safety tips for having a safe and fun Halloween! This year’s tips come from Independent Agent Magazine. Full article here.
Halloween is just a few days away. To help enjoy the holiday and protect yourselves against Halloween risks, use these Trusted Choice®-endorsed safety tips for the big night:
- Don’t be a scary driver. Drive sober, slowly and even more carefully than usual on Halloween. Watch out for children who may be running or wearing dark costumes.
- Don’t be a scary pedestrian. While walking, do not text or use a cell phone unless necessary—especially as pedestrian traffic and the number of children outdoors increases throughout the day and evening.
- Hear and be heard. Make sure cumbersome costumes or earphones don’t impair your hearing. Alert yourself to the sounds of moving vehicles, other groups of pedestrians, bicyclists and animals.
- Stay accident-free. Temporarily remove or resituate lawn furniture, decorations and any other obstacles to avoid accidents or damage. To avoid trick-or-treater injuries on your property, ensure your home’s entry is in good condition and free of loose or broken pieces on stairwells, and that walkways are clear.
- Prevent fires. Place pumpkins that contain candles at a distance where curious guests can’t tip them over or accidentally ignite a costume. Extinguish all candles before going to bed and use battery-operated lights if possible. A variety of jack-o-lantern lights are available at most stores that sell Halloween decor.
- Wear a safe costume. Costumes can hide more than someone’s true identity—they may cloak potential hazards as well. All disguises should be made from flame-resistant materials and shouldn’t contain sharp accessories. Be sure the costume fits and isn’t too long. Avoid masks that may obscure vision, and use hypo-allergenic makeup if possible.
- See and be seen. Encourage all trick-or-treaters and adult chaperones to carry a flashlight and, if possible, wear bright colors. Apply light-reflecting material to costumes for additional safety.
- Use power in numbers. When traveling on foot, walk in groups, cross only at corners and crosswalks—never between parked cars—and keep to well-lit streets.
- Fend off unwelcome guests. Keep outdoor lights on to scare away thieves and vandals who often take advantage of a busy Halloween night to strike.
- Keep pets safe. Secure all pets indoors. Warn children to stay away from animals as they go door to door. Halloween night can be stressful, even for the friendliest creatures.
- Inspect your candy. Cavities aren’t the only candy-related risks on Halloween. Inspect all trick-or-treats and never eat unwrapped, tampered or expired items. Collect candy only from people you trust, and ask the local police department if it offers a candy x-ray or inspection service. Throw away any suspicious candy.
- Stay aware of allergies. Offer allergen-friendly treats if possible, such as peanut- and gluten-free items, if possible.
- Carry an umbrella. Make sure you have homeowners or renters insurance, which can provide protection for Halloween mishaps like slips and falls, a candle that sets a costume on fire, claims of tainted candy and more. An umbrella policy may be the best option for comprehensive coverage.
