How to Have a Happy (and Safe!) Halloween
Halloween is a highlight of the year for kids – candy, parties, costumes and staying out late – of course it is! Parents may worry about hidden safety hazards, so here is information on how to have a happy and safe Halloween.
For Parents and Tricker-or-Treaters
When out trick-or-treating, make sure everyone has a buddy and knows to stick with their group. A lost little ghost or goblin can make for a scarier than planned evening. Costumes or accessories should have some sort of glow-in-the dark feature so trick-or-treaters can be seen by drivers (and parents.) Even a glowing candy bag or necklace can do the trick. Parents walking alongside should bring a flashlight as well. It’s helpful when rounding up your group, letting cars know where you are and for inspecting candy and other treats.
The safest way to enjoy candy is to get back home, go through and toss any items that were previously opened, or even homemade. This might not be an option as half the fun is eating candy while making the rounds, so having a flashlight handy is important! The likelihood of someone tainting candy is almost zero, however it’s always a good idea to check for open packaging.
For Homeowners
If you’re staying home to hand out treats, make sure your front walk and doorway are free of slippery fallen leaves, extension cords and other tripping hazards. A well-lit entrance also helps to let trick-or-treaters know you are “open for business” and can prevent trips and falls on your property as well. Consider nut-free candy to give out to help prevent allergic reactions and anaphylaxis occurrences. These instances skyrocket during Halloween with many kids needing to go to the ER. Keep pets away from the candy bowl and glow sticks. Also think about whether the doorbell and strangers at your doorstep will be stressful to your pet. You might decide to keep them in a separate room away from the front door. Lastly, if Halloween pranks and tricks are common in your neighborhood, consider installing video cameras and a video doorbell. These can serve as deterrents but are also a way to keep an eye on your property. And if you do leave the house, make sure to lock up and set your alarm before you do.
For Drivers and Neighbors
Even if you don’t plan to celebrate Halloween by cavorting around your neighborhood begging for treats, you still need to watch out for those that do. You’ll need to pack your patience between prime trick-or-treating hours of 6pm and 8pm. There could be distracted pedestrians darting across streets, from between parked cars and across driveways and alleys. Make sure to drive extra slowly and assume pedestrians and perhaps other drivers will not be heeding traffic safety laws. You may need to wait for pedestrians even in situations that you normally have the right of way. Think of it as good karma to keep away spooky Halloween spirits!
Happy Halloween from all of us at Cultris Security!
Contact us to help with any of your home or business security needs, including video camera installation and monitoring.
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