Trick-or-Treating Safely
Trick-or-treating is a cherished tradition in the US. Many adults have fond memories of visiting neighbors' homes in carefully crafted costumes, and look forward to creating new memories with their own children (or nieces and nephews, or younger siblings). However, during all the fun of planning and enjoying a night of Halloween fun, it is important to never lose sight of safety issues.
A serious accident or injury can abruptly end a child's festivities. If you are planning to take your kids trick or treating this year, we hope the following tips are useful in planning a fun and safe evening.
Simple Safety Steps
Reduce your chances of having a fun night interrupted by painful accidents by taking the following steps:
Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick-or-treat without adult supervision. Even in a familiar neighborhood, children can become lost or frightened after dark. In addition, they may find it too tempting to get into mischief with some of their friends, which can create social and legal hassles for you.
Make sure your children have some form of lit object. This can mean your kids carry a flashlight, wear a glow stick around their necks, or wear jewelry or pendants with flashing lights. This will help them see where they are going and increase their visibility when crossing the street.
Plan your evening ahead of time. It may seem more spontaneous and fun to simply head out the door without a clear plan. However, it is better to have a route around the neighborhood already planned. This can allow you to make sure you only visit the homes of people you know, and reduce the chances of ending up far from home if your children become tired or get hurt.
Make or purchase safe Halloween costumes. This means nonflammable materials, comfortable shoes, and outfits that will not drag on the ground (which can cause trips and falls). A more elaborate costume may be right for an indoors party, but can be hazardous for a child who is walking down the street at night.
Only visit homes where you are welcome. Ideally, this will mean staying in your own neighborhood and stopping to see families you know. If you are thinking about approaching a less familiar home, only proceed if the lights are on and there is some sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome, like decorations. Not everyone enjoys trick-or-treaters at their homes.
Unfortunately, even when you are careful to be safe, other parties may be less cautious. To learn about legal options for accident victims, contact Orlando child injury lawyer [http://www.toddminerlaw.com/practiceareas/orlando-child-injuries-lawyer.aspx] Todd Miner.
A serious accident or injury can abruptly end a child's festivities. If you are planning to take your kids trick or treating this year, we hope the following tips are useful in planning a fun and safe evening.
Simple Safety Steps
Reduce your chances of having a fun night interrupted by painful accidents by taking the following steps:
Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick-or-treat without adult supervision. Even in a familiar neighborhood, children can become lost or frightened after dark. In addition, they may find it too tempting to get into mischief with some of their friends, which can create social and legal hassles for you.
Make sure your children have some form of lit object. This can mean your kids carry a flashlight, wear a glow stick around their necks, or wear jewelry or pendants with flashing lights. This will help them see where they are going and increase their visibility when crossing the street.
Plan your evening ahead of time. It may seem more spontaneous and fun to simply head out the door without a clear plan. However, it is better to have a route around the neighborhood already planned. This can allow you to make sure you only visit the homes of people you know, and reduce the chances of ending up far from home if your children become tired or get hurt.
Make or purchase safe Halloween costumes. This means nonflammable materials, comfortable shoes, and outfits that will not drag on the ground (which can cause trips and falls). A more elaborate costume may be right for an indoors party, but can be hazardous for a child who is walking down the street at night.
Only visit homes where you are welcome. Ideally, this will mean staying in your own neighborhood and stopping to see families you know. If you are thinking about approaching a less familiar home, only proceed if the lights are on and there is some sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome, like decorations. Not everyone enjoys trick-or-treaters at their homes.
Unfortunately, even when you are careful to be safe, other parties may be less cautious. To learn about legal options for accident victims, contact Orlando child injury lawyer [http://www.toddminerlaw.com/practiceareas/orlando-child-injuries-lawyer.aspx] Todd Miner.
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