Top 10 Halloween Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Holiday

It’s that time of year again - a time of sweet treats and frightful fun. But don’t “tricked” into forgetting safety first! Whether you’re going out trick-or-treating with the kids, or heading off to some fiendishly fun Halloween parties, following these Top 10 Halloween Safety Tips will ensure holiday fun without danger or scares! Here they are:
1. Costume Safety: Choose flame-resistant costumes that fit properly, to avoid trips and falls. Consider reflective materials or add glow sticks to ensure visibility in the dark. You may want to opt for makeup instead of masks for better visibility.
2. Use Safe Makeup: If you’re going with the makeup option, be sure to test any Halloween makeup on a small patch of skin before applying a full application, in order to avoid allergic reactions. Always wash off and remove all makeup before bedtime.
3. Decorate Safely: Use battery-operated candles instead of real flames inside of your pumpkins to prevent fire hazards. And be sure to keep walkways and porches clear of decorations that could cause tripping.
4. Pet Safety: Don’t forget our pets are a part of the family! Be sure to keep them indoors and away from the door during trick-or-treat hours. Additionally, costumes can stress out animals, so do your best to keep them calm. Only dress them up in pet costumes if they’re comfortable and unafraid.
5. Map Out a Route: If you’re trick-or-treating, plan a safe route to follow that is well-lit route. It’s also a good idea to set a curfew, especially for older kids going out without an adult.
6. Group Up: Encourage children to trick-or-treat in groups. with a family member, or with a trusted adult. Using the buddy system keeps everyone together and provides safety in numbers. Plus, it’s usually a lot more fun!
7. Stay Visible: Equip yourself and your little ghosts and goblins with flashlights, glow sticks or other reflective material. This helps keep everyone more visible to drivers and other pedestrians.
8. Check Treats: Inspect all candy and treats before eating. Be sure to throw away anything that looks tampered with, unwrapped, or homemade from unknown sources. If trick-or-treating with someone who suffers from food allergies, be sure to read the candy labels. If you will be handing candy out this Halloween, you may want to consider offering non-food items like stickers or small toys, as alternatives.
9. Drive Safely / Watch for Traffic: If you’re driving on Halloween, be extra vigilant. Slow down in residential areas, watch for children darting out from between parked cars, and avoid all distractions around you as much as possible. When walking, stick to sidewalks and cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Remind kids to look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
10. Set Boundaries: Establish house rules like not entering strangers’ homes or cars, and only visit houses with porch lights on. Never enter someone’s home or yard without permission.
Halloween is a time for fun and sweet indulgences, but safety is always top priority. By following these Halloween safety tips, you can ensure that your night is filled fun instead of scares. For any questions about home safety contact your United Agent for assistance.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween!
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