It's that time of year again - shops are full of tubs of sweets and large ugly orange fruits (and yes a Pumpkin is a fruit, I checked), it can only mean one thing – Halloween!
I have to confess to this being one of my favourite annual 'festivals'. It takes me back to my childhood, getting dressed up in costumes, heading out trick or treating with my brothers before finally coming home with a bag full of sweets that looked like it would last forever.
Although to some, Halloween (and in particular the practice of trick or treating) are still controversial, we believe there is a place for trick or treating as harmless fun for our children, although it's important that we do everything we can to keep them safe whilst they're doing it, so here are a few tips:
Make Sure Costumes are Scary for the Right Reasons:
- The costume (& footwear) need to fit, if they drag on the ground this could potentially cause a trip hazard
- Costumes should be flame retardent (especially given all the lit pumpkins)
- Make sure your child can see clearly out of their costume or mask
- Reflective tape on costumes is a good idea if possible
- Ensure children have a torch or glow stick to make them easy for vehicles to spot
Make the Outing More Treat Than Trick:
- Young children should be accompanied by an adult at all times
- If older children are going out unsupervised ensure they are in a group, have a mobile phone they can use in case of emergencies and know what time they are meant to be home
- Only trick or treat at homes of people you know
- Make sure all the children are aware they should remain on the doorstep and not go inside
- Remain in well-lit areas
- Do not "text and walk." If your eyes are on your phone they are not looking out for cars or trip hazards, like cracks in the pavement
- If you are intending to visit elderly neighbours, try to ask their permission or warn them in advance.
Treats, Treats, Treats:
- Ask children to bring sweets home before they eat them
- Dispose of any that have any suspicious-looking marks or punctures
- Try your best to ration them out to avoid poorly tummies (and hyperactive children!)
In the Car:
The number of pedestrians who are hit by vehicles increases during Halloween, so if you are driving in residential areas reduce your speed and remember that the busiest times will be between 5 - 8pm.
- Drive slowly and watch carefully for children crossing the road
- Check for children before coming out of driveways
- Do not text or call whilst driving
- Be sure to use your child’s car seat or booster seat each time you get in the car, no matter how short the distance
Provide a Spooky House, Not a Dangerous One:
- Welcome trick-or-treaters to your home by ensuring it is well-lit
- Remove any trip hazards from the garden, path and driveway
- If possible use flameless or battery operated tea lights in pumpkins
- If this is not possible then ensure they are away from areas where they could catch a child’s costume.
Don’t Forget the Pets:
Large numbers of noisy strangers coming to the house can be unnerving for pets and cause them to act out of character. The last thing you want is your pet getting scared and biting a small child, so keep pets indoors and away from trick or treaters.
Be safe and have a spooktacular Halloween!
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/237806/Tricks-to-Making-Halloween-an-Injury-Free-Treat
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