Halloween Dangers for Kids and Homeowners

Halloween. It’s nearly here. And with it comes fun experiences for Hoosier children and their parents to participate in, including the tradition of trick-or-treating throughout Indiana communities. Whether you are preparing your kids’ costumes or competing for the spookiest yard decorations with your neighbors, our personal injury attorneys have gathered these safety messages to share so everyone involved in the October 31st fun can do so without suffering a personal injury.

Trick-or-Treat Injury Free with These Safety Tips

To keep your Power Ranger or Minnie Mouse protected while collecting Halloween treats, the we have collected these turn-key tips and safety recommendations with the help of Safe Kids USA and the National Safety Council.

  • Dress up and be seen. If your child will be trick-or-treating at night, make sure to attach something bright or glowing to their costume, shoes, or treat bag. A great addition to any nighttime gear is reflective tape. When walking around town, and crossing streets at night, visibility is incredibly important. Even the small flashlight on your smartphone can help!
  • Teach your kids about safe pedestrian habits. These are things like to only use crosswalks, wait for signals, follow law-enforcement directions, and make sure to keep an eye out for motorists. Safe Kids USA reports children are more than twice as likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident on Halloween than at any other time during the year.
  • Bike riders and skateboarders in costume should be seen. Though it is not recommended, if your child is planning on biking or skateboarding the streets during trick-or-treat time, remind them to watch for pedestrians and for vehicles, especially at crosswalks. Add a helmet to their costume!
  • Teach your kids to respect public and private property. Make sure kids know walking through peoples’ yards, parking lots, and alleys could put themselves at risk of being somewhere where they are not welcome or safe.
  • Watch out for dogs. If there is a dog in someone’s yard, it’s a better idea to skip that house vs. heightening the risk of a life-changing dog bite injury, even if the dog is tied up and looks friendly.
  • Choose fire-retardant costumes. Look for a label that indicates flame-resistance on any costumes, wigs, and headpieces you purchase. Check for costume product recalls.
  • Use make-up instead of masks. Hypoallergenic, non-toxic face paint is a better choice than a mask, which may obscure your child’s vision. If you do choose a masked costume, encourage your trick-or-treater to take the mask off before crossing the street or walking up and down a set of stairs.
  • Watch for recalled treats and toys. Many trick-or-treating gifts like fidget spinners and even some candies end up on product recall lists. Always reviews your child’s Halloween haul and toss any broken or risky toys or treats in the trash.

If preparing to invite trick-or-treaters to your doorstep, homeowners may carry responsibilities for any property related injuries and slip-and-fall accidents. Avoid being involved in a legal dispute by taking these actions prior to the night beginning.

  • Remove tripping hazards on your porch, walkway, and driveway. Clear your lawn or business area of hoses, branches, bikes, wet leaves, garbage cans, wires, and decorations and power cords that could trip trick-or-treaters.
  • Secure railings. Tighten up any railings or safety guards on your porch or walkway area.
  • Stay bright. Turn on the porch lights and replace burnt-out bulbs. Choose battery operated candles vs. the real thing.

Now, what is everyone planning on dressing up as? Who knows of the safest Indiana neighborhood for trick-or-treating? Visit us on Facebook and tell us all about your Halloween activities!

Stop Suffering from an Event Related Injury

Wagner Reese wants you to have fun but also safe from personal injuries during special events like trick-or-treating. If you need advice on a Halloween or other seasonal related injury, call 888-710-9377 for your FREE consultation or speak with us by submitting our online form. Our attorneys are here to help you and your family.