Halloween is quickly approaching and on this favorite frightening holiday, young trick-or-treaters will fill neighborhood streets while Halloween partygoers take to the town.
Whether you are roaming your neighborhood for candy, out on the town in Austin with friends or hosting a Halloween bash at home, there are some real safety concerns this holiday.
The fun usually doesn’t begin until the sun has set. Therefore, it is wise to choose a costume that will let you easily be seen in the darkness of night. Halloween is a particularly dangerous evening for pedestrians walking at night. It can be difficult for drivers to see you if your costume is dark. Use bright colors in your costumes or have some sort of reflective surface so drivers can see you better. If you are out driving around, be extra alert during Halloween.
Strolling door to door around the neighborhood also has its dangers. Everyone knows that it is not safe to let a child go trick or treating alone. They should always be accompanied by an adult or allowed to go with a group of friends if they are old enough. Kids need to know that it is never safe to enter a stranger’s house even if they are with their friends.
These are obvious safety concerns, but there are other hazards that need to be avoided on Halloween.
- Costumes should be made with flame-resistant materials.
- Instead of wearing a mask that can impede your vision and breathing, consider using face paints or makeup instead.
- Have a flashlight with you so you can see where you are going should it get really dark and spooky!
- Whenever possible, travel on lighted walkways and sidewalks.
- Do not approach homes unless they are participating and have their outside lights on.
- Make sure you inspect your child’s candy before they try any. Get rid of any treats that are not in a sealed package.
A side note on Halloween candy: If for any reason you believe any Halloween treats have been tampered with, call the police immediately. If your child swallows something suspicious or harmful, you can call the Texas Poison Center Network 24 hours a day at (1-800-222-1222).
If you decide to host a Halloween party at home or are decorating the house for trick or treaters, there are some safety concerns you should consider in order to enjoy the festivities safely.
- Keep walkways well-lit and do not place decorations where they could become a trip hazard.
- Decorations also need to be set up so they do not pose any harm to visitors or where they could catch fire.
- Use LED lights in your jack-o-lanterns rather than candles. It is a good idea to avoid having open flames around your home all together.
- Be cautious with your guests. Anyone gets hurt on your property, it is your responsibility.
- Never give out home-made Halloween treats. They might be delicious, but parents and kids are expecting sealed, store bought treats.
- Watch your pets closely or keep them indoors. It is very easy for a dog to become spooked by all the little ghosts and ghouls coming by.
- If you are hosting a party where alcohol will be served, it is in everyone’s best interest not to let your guests get inebriated. Social host laws are pretty lenient in Texas as long as you do not knowingly serve minors or hand car keys to a drunk guest. Regardless, it is definitely a good idea to keep the party and your guests safe and sound.
We wish you all a safe and happy Halloween. Have a “Spooktacular” time!
