OCTOBER 31st IS HALLOWEEN.
It’s an evening of costumes, treats and fun. It is also one of the most dangerous nights on the calendar for kids and drivers.
Here are some tips to remember and ensure a safe and fun Halloween night for all:
old a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see, and others see you. Always WALK. Don’t run from house to house.
lways test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation. Hypo-allergenic make-up can still cause skin reactions.
ook both ways before crossing the street. Cross at the lights. Use established crosswalks wherever possible and be sure to activate the crossing signal and put your arm out. Do not cross a roadway from between parked cars.
ower your risk of serious eye injury and increase your vision by not wearing decorative contact lenses. Avoid plastic teeth and check that any accessories do not contain lead.
nly walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to be aware of approaching traffic. Be aware of your surroundings for vehicles and strangers.
ear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, and trip and falls. Choose costumes that can be worn over warm clothing.
at only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers. All unwrapped factory treats should be discarded.
nter stairwells only if they are well lit. Enter elevators and stairwells with a trusted adult, or in a group. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept a ride from a stranger.
ever walk near lit candles or luminaries. B
e sure to wear flame-resistant costumes. Flame retardant does not mean fire proof. Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains, and check them regularly.
words, knives and other costume accessories should be soft and flexible, and short so as to not be a tripping hazard. Guns should be avoided, or be toys and have an orange muzzle tip.
void trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Never enter a home alone. Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. Wear bright costumes.
asten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. Wear bright costumes.
xamine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
rick-or-treaters are young and can have poor judgment. They tend to dart out into roadways. Drivers need to be constantly vigilant while driving especially between intersections.
ou are responsible as a driver to be in control of your vehicle. Drive slowly. All concentration should be on the road. Be ready to react to any emergency situations.
Whether you are a parent, trick-or-treater or a motor vehicle operator by being vigilant and safety conscious, we all can have a safe and fun Halloween.
HAPPY TRICK-OR-TREATING!
Personal injury lawyer Michael Henry is one of the founding partners of Howie, Sacks & Henry. He can be reached at 416-361-0998 or mjhenry@hshlawyers.com.
