The fall season is a time that many in our area will celebrate a well-known, much loved holiday. Halloween is a day in which excited children dress up, show off their costumes and enjoy too many sweet treats. However, Halloween can also expose children to potential injury due to increased risks that exist. The San Jose personal injury lawyers at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP offer the following Halloween safety tips for kids to ensure a safe and fun holiday, instead of a scary one.
Safety Tip #1: Never Trick-or-Treat Alone
Children should never trick-or-treat alone. Accompany your young children when they go trick-or-treating. If your child is old enough to go trick-or-treating without you, then tell them to travel in a group in familiar areas. Your child should also abide by curfews. Children should also be advised not to enter an unknown household when trick-or-treating, regardless of the reason. Stranger danger is not eliminated on a holiday.
Safety Tip #2: Be Visible
Pedestrians on Halloween night can be difficult for motorists to see. Children should use flashlights when walking. Wearing bright costumes and reflective tape is also a good tip, as doing so can alert drivers of their presence. Avoiding masked costumes can ensure that your child’s vision is not compromised.
Safety Tip #3: Walk Safely
Trick-or-treaters should use designated crosswalks and sidewalks whenever available to avoid a pedestrian accident. In addition, children should look both ways before crossing the street. Supervising adults must be on guard to prevent children from running between cars or darting across yards which can increase the risk of a pedestrian accident.
Safety Tip #4: Pick the Right Costume
Beware of costume accessories or props. Any part of a child’s Halloween costume must be soft, bendable and not potentially harmful to others. In addition, the risk of a slip and fall accident can be reduced if costumes are well-fitted without loose material or masks that impede vision.
You should also ensure your child’s costume is flame-retardant. Trick-or-treaters must be careful of any lit flames from jack-o-lanterns or other Halloween decorations to prevent the risk of a fire.
Safety Tip #5: Check the Candy
Adults must be sure to inspect any candy or treats to ensure they are safe to eat before a child enjoys them. Caution children against eating unwrapped candy or anything homemade from someone they do not know.
About Needham Kepner & Fish LLP
At Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, we represent victims of accidents in a wide range of injury claims. We serve San Jose and the surrounding Bay Area. If your child is injured on Halloween due to the negligence of a motorist or homeowner, consider speaking to our attorneys about your potential legal options. Contact Needham Kepner & Fish LLP to discuss your potential case. We are available for weekend and evening meetings. Call us at (408) 716-1668 or fill out our online form.