Though we are still in the midst of the pandemic, most states have lifted many of the more restrictive social distancing orders thanks to widespread vaccination distributions. This means that children everywhere are rejoicing now that they can resume their annual Halloween and trick-or-treat activities.
However, many states, including Indiana, are still reminding parents, guardians, and children to take precautions to avoid harmful and dangerous situations. Even without COVID still lingering, there are many things that can go wrong on Halloween if children and parents aren’t careful.
Trick-or-treating times may also be different than usual, so be sure to check city announcements and news outlets to stay up to date on official times. As for safety, the Indiana State Police have provided the following tips and guidelines for having a safe and enjoyable Halloween this year:
Costume Safety Tips
- Check the fit of costumes: Costumes that are too big or even too small can make it difficult for children to walk around. They are more likely to trip and fall or become distracted when they are busy worrying about and messing with their costume.
- Use makeup instead of masks: Though Halloween masks might seem like an easy way to keep your child’s mouth and nose covered up to avoid the transmission of COVID, they are also more likely to obstruct their vision. Full-face masks make it difficult to see, which can lead to an accident. Instead, use makeup and simply cover their face and nose with a cloth mask as directed by your local guidelines.
- Avoid troublesome ingredients and materials: Halloween costumes and makeup can often be made using cheap materials and ingredients, which can cause irritation. Be sure to test out any makeup you plan to use before Halloween and make sure your child feels comfortable in their costume.
- Wear bright colors: If possible, choose costumes with brightly colored accents and materials to increase visibility. Children that wear dark costumes are more likely to get lost or hit by a driver.
Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
- Review road safety with your kids: Remind your kids to be mindful of cars when crossing streets and to only cross at designated crosswalks and intersections if possible. Even on quiet side streets, they should keep an eye out for vehicles entering and exiting driveways so as not to walk in their path.
- Use flashlights and/or glow sticks: Carrying around a flashlight or wearing glow sticks will not only help your kids see better but will increase their visibility for drivers on the road.
- Adult supervision is necessary: No kids should trick-or-treat unsupervised, but young children especially should go out with a responsible adult. It’s also a good idea to carry your cellphone with you in case of emergencies—just don’t let it distract you from paying attention to the road or your kids.
- Trick-or-treat in groups: It’s easier for drivers to see kids crossing the roads when they are traveling in groups. Group trick-or-treating can also be more fun and is a good option for older kids who don’t want to feel awkward walking around alone with their parents or guardians.
- Only go up to houses with porch lights on: Remind your children to only trick-or-treat at homes that have their outdoor lights on. A general rule of thumb is that if you don’t want to distribute candy, you should turn off your outdoor lights on Halloween.
- Avoid strangers: This one should go without saying, but it’s always a good idea to remind your kids to never go anywhere with a stranger or get into the car with someone they don’t know.
Halloween Candy Safety Tips
- Don’t eat any candy before it has been checked: As tempting as it may be to dig right in while walking around, remind your children to let you check their candy first before they eat anything.
- Check candy at home or in another well-lit area: It’s best if you can wait to check the candy more thoroughly at home or in another well-lit area.
- Don’t eat anything suspicious or with a tampered wrapper: If you have your doubts about any pieces of candy or if anything is open or tampered with, even if you think it was by mistake, throw it out. It’s not worth the risk.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
At Crossen Law Firm, we want everyone to experience a safe and happy Halloween. However, this is, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous times of the year for pedestrians, especially children. If you or your child are injured in an accident while out trick-or-treating, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys can help.
We have over 20 years of experience fighting for the victims of car accidents and are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today or give us a call for a free consultation. (317) 401-8626
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