6 Common Halloween Hazards To Avoid

Halloween is fun for kids and adults alike. But it’s also full of scary (and dangerous) traps for the unwary. Avoid these common Halloween hazards:

1. 1.  Candles: Use glow sticks or battery-powered lights instead of candles in jack o’lanterns and luminaries. Candles can be a fire hazard, especially if they’re in the path of young trick-or-treaters.
   2. Traffic: Trick-or-treating often takes place after dark, and kids are often more focused on the candy they’ve collected than on their surroundings. Make sure kids have reflective gear and/or flashlights. Accompany young kids on their way around the neighborhood. Have older kids go out in pairs or groups.
   3. Costumes: Avoid costumes made from flammable materials. Also, be careful with hoods or masks that can block your child’s vision.
   4. Trip hazards: Some hazards can’t be easily fixed, like uneven pavement. However, you can use barriers or lighting to make these areas safer. You may know to avoid staggering by the front door, but kids candy-collecting won’t.
   5. Pets: Keep pets indoors and away from trick-or-treaters. And while you’re outside candy-collecting, watch out for neighborhood dogs that haven’t been kept indoors. They can be skittish and more likely to become aggressive.
   6. Parties: If you’re hosting an adult party with alcohol, be a responsible host and watch out for guests who may have overdone it. Let them spend the night or arrange for safe transportation home.

With a little forethought and planning, you can ensure that your Halloween celebration is festive and safe for everyone!