Halloween safety begins long before kids head out the door to trick-or-treat. Residents can help make the evening go smoothly by taking care of a few minor details around the home. Even though many youngsters will be hitting the neighbors for candy before total darkness falls, there are guidelines to keep kids and parents safe on Halloween while on foot.
How Should Homeowners Prepare for Halloween Trick-or-Treat?
The ceramic bunny on the front lawn may not look all that threatening during the day, but to kids and parents walking through the yard at dusk it could cause a fall or twisted ankle. The same concern applies to slippery leaves on the front walk, uneven stepping stones, and loose steps or hand railings. What tips can homeowners use to prevent injury on Halloween?
- Make sure walkways to the front door are safe with no broken or uneven stepping stones that could cause dangerous falls.
- Clear walkways and steps of any clutter that could cause someone to trip.
- Repair loose railings on outdoor steps to prevent an accidental fall.
- To make dark walkways safer all year long, illuminate with solar-powered lights.
- Keep Halloween decorations away from walkways.
- Don't leave burning candles unattended indoors or outside – in jack-o-lanterns, for example. A pumpkin that accidentally gets knocked over could ignite a costume or even dry leaves on the ground. Try illuminating with small flashlights instead.
- Clean the yard of debris, branches, rocks, yard tools, toys, or anything that could cause someone to slip, trip or fall. Fill in holes on the lawn that could cause a fall.
- Move small potted plants, water hoses, and yard decor that might present a safety hazard.
- Make sure the porch light is working.
- Plan to secure pets indoors or away from kids trick-or-treating. Some animals may become frightened by the noise and costumes, and could bite or bolt through an opened door.
- Trim hedges and bushes where the driveway meets the sidewalk so that anyone passing by can easily be seen.
What Can Residents Do to Ensure a Safe Halloween for Kids?
Kids and parents don't always obey Halloween safety rules. Children should never go out alone to trick-or-treat, but there are always some that do. There are ways neighborhood residents can help keep kids safe on Halloween night.
- Keep watch for any vehicles lurking in the neighborhood and drivers that don't appear to be chauffeuring kids.
- Caution teenagers driving on Halloween night to drive slowly and give extra attention to kids in the area.
- Warn all motorists in the family to watch for trick-or-treating kids, including children on bicycles and skateboards.
- Watch for any older kids harassing young children who have no escort.
- Keep an eye out for neighborhood pets that may have gotten loose during Halloween activity, especially an animal that might bite.
Halloween means lots of people coming and going through the homeowner's yard. Residents can use Halloween as a good time to clean up any yard debris that might cause someone to fall or get hurt. Ensure a child's safety by watching out for strangers that might be trouble. Remind teens about driving defensively and to be on the lookout for kids even after it gets dark. By observing a few safety measures, neighbors and residents can provide a safe and fun Halloween for everyone.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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