Halloween night looks to be perfect weather here in the Portland Metro area which means more people may be out and about celebrating with costumes, candy, and spooky fun. However, it’s important to prioritize safety, especially when children and families are out and about after dark. Whether you’re going trick-or-treating, attending a Halloween party, or decorating your home, here eight essential safety tips to ensure a happy and safe Halloween for everyone.
- Costume Safety:
- Choose costumes that are flame-resistant to minimize fire hazards.
- Make sure costumes fit well to prevent trips and falls (including the Barbie shoes).
- Use face makeup instead of masks for better visibility, or ensure masks have wide eye openings for all those superheroes out there.
- Attach reflective tape to costumes or use glow-in-the-dark accessories to increase visibility at night.
- Trick-or-Treating Safety:
- Plan a route in advance and inform someone of your plans.
- Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to increase visibility.
- Accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
- Teach kids to stay together in a group.
- Only visit well-lit houses, and never enter a stranger’s home.
- Examine all treats at home before consuming to check for tampering.
- Home Decorations:
- Keep decorations away from pathways to prevent tripping hazards.
- Make sure walkways are well lit for for all the ghosts and witches headed to your door.
- Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in pumpkins to avoid fire risks.
- Ensure extension cords are properly secured and not a tripping hazard.
- Pet Safety:
- Keep pets indoors or in a secure area during Halloween festivities, as the commotion can stress them or lead to accidental escapes.
- Ensure your pet’s costume, if they are wearing one, doesn’t restrict their movement or breathing.
- Driver Awareness:
- Exercise extra caution when driving on Halloween night. Expect increased foot traffic and children running between cars.
- Drive at lower speeds, especially in residential areas.
- Candy Inspection:
- Examine all candy and treats before allowing children to eat them. Look for any unusual packaging or signs of tampering.
- Respect Property:
- Be respectful of people’s property when trick-or-treating. Don’t trample lawns, damage decorations, or litter.
- Follow any community guidelines or curfews in place for Halloween activities.
- Neighborhood Watch:
- If your community has a neighborhood watch program, get involved or at least stay informed about any Halloween-related safety measures they may have in place.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the Halloween festivities while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved, especially the children in the community. With proper precautions, Halloween can be a memorable and safe holiday for everyone to enjoy.
Haunted or not, make sure your home and business is properly insured this holiday season. Contact Us and our team of professionals can help you find the right insurance to fit your needs.
