Halloween Safety

Safety is mostly about common sense. But, the excitement over Halloween can make both kids and adults less careful, leading to accidents and injuries. Here are a few things to keep in mind this afternoon and evening as you and your children are trick-or-treating, or you may be driving around town:

Designated hours for trick-or-treating in the Village are between 3pm and 7pm.

Excerpt from the National Safety Council:

• Stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never enter a stranger’s home. It’s also recommended to stick to your own neighborhood, since you know it. It’s best not to load up all the kids into the van and cart them all over the town.
• Establish a return time. (Let them know when they must be home, and when you’ll expect them)
• For smaller children, under around age 12: Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing
• Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)
• Make sure kids can see and breath adequately if masks or face coverings are worn
• Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks available (as in a few areas), walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic.
• Inspect all treats, telling kids not to eat any treats until they get home. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
• Temperatures are expected to drop in the late afternoon to early evening hours. Make sure kids are dressed warmly enough.
• Motorists are also reminded to watch for kids running out between parked cars or walking along the sides of streets, etc.

And, here are a few words about courtesy:

• Say “Trick or treat”.
• Say “Thank you”.
• Use the sidewalks and driveways. Don’t cut through yards. (Important for safety as well)
• Take one or two pieces if the person holds out the bowl for you to choose a favorite; don’t grab a handful (although, if you hold out the bowl, expect some kids to take a bunch).

Finally, a note to treat givers: Give something pre-packaged (unless you’re famous in your neighborhood for giving out something special); if you give out ziploc baggies of popcorn, apples or other such things, expect that some will end up on your roof, lawn, etc. — Kids, just dispose of these at home, if you don’t want them.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!