Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for children and adults alike. Not only do young ones get to bring home a cavity-inducing load of sugary sweets, but adults often get to attend costume parties with friends, often times involving alcohol. While the festivities are often enjoyed by many, it’s important to not neglect your duty to the safety of both yourself and those around you.
Keeping Yourself Safe
If you have little ones who want to go out trick-or-treating, be sure they never travel alone and don’t go far away. Halloween usually causes a sharp increase in intoxicated drivers (discussed further in a moment), so staying in a neighborhood and away from major roads is far safer. Also, make sure little ones stay in well-lit areas.
If you plan on partaking in alcohol during this holiday, be sure to do so responsibly. Avoid getting overly-intoxicated to avoid tripping over any unseen hazards and injuring yourself. Likewise, if you plan on sneaking a few pieces of candy out of a collection, be sure to inspect it before eating it. If the wrapper appears to have been tampered with, do not consume it, as it may have been contaminated.
Keeping Others Safe
As a home or property owner, it is important to ensure those who visit your premises remain safe. If you have a pet that is protective of its territory or averse to visitors, be sure they are properly secured so they do not feel the urge to attack any well-meaning trick-or-treaters who come to your door. Likewise, if you have any “attractive nuisances” or other serious safety hazards on your premises, be sure to secure them to the best of your ability, and repair what you can. If there is an unseen hazard on your property that someone trips over and becomes injured on, you could be liable for their injuries.
If you do plan on going out to a Halloween party and partaking in alcohol, do not drink and drive. Every year, Halloween sees a sharp spike in the percentage of car accidents and fatalities that involve alcohol. If you know you will be drinking, be sure to either get a ride with a designated driver, or use a taxi or ridesharing service to get there and back. This can help ensure you don’t become part of these statistics, as well as keep little ones who may be out and about on Halloween night safe.