Halloween is not only popular with little children, it’s also growing in popularity among adults. Nearly one in three adults will attend a Halloween party this year. To ensure everyone has an enjoyable Halloween, Farmers Union Insurance offers the following safety tips to avoid any unwanted Halloween scares.
For Kids
· Kids shouldn’t trick-or-treat alone. Be sure to have kids walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
· Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
· Check all treats for choking hazards and tampering.
· Children should have a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help them see and be seen.
· Candle-lit jack lanterns should be kept away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
· Costume accessories such as knives and swords should be short, soft and flexible.
For the Halloween Party Crowd
· Designate a sober driver in advance. If intending to drink alcohol, plan ahead to get home safely by selecting a designated driver or ensuring cab service is available from the party location.
· Consider an overnight stay. If attending a party at a friend's home, consider asking to stay overnight or look into hotel accommodations within walking distance. Many hotels offer special Halloween weekend rates and promotions.
· Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. If possible, try to avoid cutting through residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present. If providing directions to a party, try not to route guests through residential areas unnecessarily.
· Watch for children in the street. Be on the alert for excited youngsters whose vision may be obscured by masks, darting out into traffic. Trick-or-treating children may not pay attention to traffic and might cross mid-block or between parked cars.
Whether going to a party or trick-or-treating with the kids, don’t forget to think about safety.