tips for a safe halloween.
Halloween Safety Guide: Arc One Protective Services
I’m quite sure everyone loves Halloween. An excuse to dress up in costume, whether you’re a kid or an adult, is always fun. And, the perfect autumn weather just makes everything better. I always thought Halloween week was the perfect moment in autumn. The leaves are changing, it’s not too cold yet, and the air smells crisp. Also, I can’t help but enjoy all the scents and flavors of fall. Cinnamon, clove, pumpkin, etc. *Chef’s kiss*
Halloween is so much fun for kids and adults, but truthfully I've seen people get way out of line. From reckless behavior like drunk driving to neglecting basic safety measures such as not watching their drinks or having a designated driver, it becomes evident that adults enjoy celebrating this holiday just as much as kids, but not always safely. Among all the excitement and parties, I always feel the need to remind people to prioritize safe drinking. Halloween should be a time for joy and laughter, not for accidents or regrets. Whether it's making responsible choices, being mindful of one's surroundings, or ensuring a designated driver, let’s all work together to make Halloween a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Any time I have a party where alcohol is involved, I put signs on all the exits saying, “DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!” I even offer to pay for people’s Ubers. I know we’re all adults, but even adults make bad decisions under the influence of alcohol. It’s my responsibility as the host to do everything possible to keep my friends safe. So, for any adults reading this, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Ok, there, I did my due diligence. :)
As for the kids, if I can do just one thing that may have the slightest impact on a child’s safety, it’s worth stating the obvious. So, indulge me and allow me to give some very well-known tips about being safe this Halloween.
1. Stay Visible: Visibility is key, especially during the dark on trick-or-treat night. Ensure your child's costume has reflective elements or use glow sticks and flashlights to increase their visibility to motorists and other trick-or-treaters.
2. Costume Safety: While creativity knows no bounds on Halloween, it's crucial to prioritize safety when selecting costumes. Choose fire-resistant materials, avoid long and tripping hazards, and ensure masks or face paint don't obstruct your child's vision or breathing. Also, sometimes there are duplicate costumes, or costumes where kids’ faces are hidden. Make sure to have some indicators of who’s who in your group, especially if it’s a big one.
3. Accompany Young Children: For young trick-or-treaters, it's wise to have an adult accompany them. Some of my favorite memories as a kid are going trick-or-treating in my neighborhood with my parents, and later, my older sister. This is a great time to create cherished memories while providing a sense of security and guidance throughout the evening's adventures.
4. Plan a Safe Route: Before setting out on the trick-or-treat trail, plan a safe route within your neighborhood or community. Stick to well-lit areas and only knock on doors of trusted neighbors or homes with welcoming Halloween decorations. Be extremely vigilant when crossing big streets. You may see them, but they may not see you. And, we hate to say this, but a lot of people use this holiday as an excuse to drink. Don’t but your trust in the driver!
5. Road Safety: Teach your children to use crosswalks, carefully look both ways before crossing the street, and never dart out between parked cars. Remind them to stay on the sidewalk whenever possible or walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
6. Inspect Treats: Before indulging in all the glorious processed sugar of the night, it's essential to inspect all treats. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking candies, and be mindful of potential allergens if sharing treats with others. This one is especially important. We have a serious fentanyl problem in our country, and last year there were reports of candy-like treats circulating that were in fact deadly. There are also reports of people putting edible cannabis treats in kid’s bags as well. Though far less harmless than fentanyl, parents must be extra diligent. Name brands only, people!
7. Pet Safety: Halloween can be stressful for our pets, so it's important to keep them away from the front door during trick-or-treating, where they may run out into busy streets or be distracted by crowds. Additionally, ensure costumes for pets are comfortable and don't restrict their movement or ability to breathe.
8. Home Safety: If you're welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home, keep walkways clear of obstacles to prevent trips and falls. Consider using flameless candles or LED lights in jack-o'-lanterns to minimize fire hazards. Also, be aware of any shady adults who are coming through your neighborhood without kids in hand. Feel confident to not open your door if you don’t feel comfortable, and always report suspicious activity to law enforcement,
That’s it. Obvious, perhaps. But, at Arc One, we’re here to prioritize your safety!
Hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween!