For kids of any age (and parents, too), Halloween can be one of the most happily anticipated nights of the year. However, excitement can turn to tragedy when accidents happen.
Even though “Beggar’s Night” is supposed to be filled with fun and spooky delights, parents need to make sure that they pay attention to a few safety rules. Here are some tips.
Plan your route
Stick to familiar neighborhoods that are relatively active and well-lit. Planning ahead helps ensure that you’re familiar with the traffic patterns and the people you’re likely to see. A good route should minimize the number of times the kids have to cross a road in the dark and keep them on the sidewalks. Encourage the kids to use walkways to houses rather than cutting across lawns.
Choose costumes carefully
Costumes are a huge part of the Halloween tradition, but they need to be assessed for visibility before the kids head out. Even the darkest-dressed vampire needs to carry a reflective plastic pumpkin or wear glowstick bracelets so that they can be seen by drivers trying to navigate residential streets that night. In addition, make sure that your child’s costume isn’t so long that it may cause them to trip, and that any face mask fits properly without blocking their vision.
Travel in groups
There is definitely safety in numbers. Join a neighbor or two so that the kids can all travel in a group – and you can, too. If your kids are old enough to go on their own, insist that they travel with at least one or two friends for safety.
Avoid houses with dogs
If you can see a dog pawing at the door or hear it frantically barking at every knock, steer clear. While most people will tell you their dogs are friendly, a scared dog may attack – and your child’s costume could be terrifying to them.
Ultimately, if your child ends up injured due to an errant driver’s mistake, a fall down a set of broken steps where they were seeking a treat or a dog, you need to make sure you understand your right to compensation for medical bills and more. The holiday doesn’t mean that people get to take a break from responsibility for their actions.