Halloween is a fun time for both children and adults. Everybody gets to dress up and decorate their house in cool, festive decorations while wearing amazing costumes. Halloween has always been recognized as a spooky holiday, but what is even more spooky are the real-life dangers kids can face during the holiday.

The common practice of letting kids trick-or-treat and visit strangers’ houses can cause potential dangers many parents and children are unaware of. It is important to educate and prepare yourself for the dangers of the world during this holiday. Our guide will teach you about common accidents people experience during the holiday. We will also provide you with a few tips to protect yourself and loved ones from danger.

Is Your Child’s Costume Safe?

Accidents can happen at any time and unfortunately they are most common around holidays. During Halloween, children can experience certain situations that may not occur during any other time because they are given a bit more freedom on this day.

As a parent, it is your duty to ensure that a child’s costume is safe for them to move around in and see their surroundings. Things like masks should be made in a way that allows the child to see clearly from the eye pocket. Be sure to alter flowing capes and dresses so that children can walk comfortably in them to avoid tripping and falling.

Common Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are common during this time because of elaborate costumes that make it hard for people to walk and see. Obstructions in walkways and pathways also cause slip and fall accident. Any jack-o-lanterns or decorations should be placed in a corner, away from walkways.

Be sure to keep anything electric away from small children. Plugs used to power decorations should be hidden away from small children. Children can potentially electrocute themselves if they touch an electrical outlet or lighted candle.

Staying Together

If your child wants to go trick-or-treating, it is important that they have an adult chaperone with them. Children under the age of 13 should have an adult accompany them to supervise everyone. Children should only go to homes that have a light on or door open to indicate that they provide candy. Avoid any dark, unlit homes.

Children 13 or older do not necessarily need a chaperone, but having an adult nearby will be very helpful to ensure their safety. They should go in groups of four or more and everyone should have a cell phone present to contact an adult in case of emergency. It may help if you only go trick-or-treating in your neighborhood or areas you are very familiar with. Creating a map of the surroundings can also be very useful.

Inspect the Candy

It is important that adults inspect the candy before children eat it. Any opened or damaged candy wrappers should be thrown out immediately. Adults should also check for pins, needles, knives, etc in any bags or fruits.

Small candies can become choking hazards for small children so they should be monitored when eating them. You should also limit the amount of candy they eat to prevent stomach ache and sickness.

Contact an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer

Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm understands the complications that surround the holiday and we are here to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding Halloween-related accidents. Call us to schedule a consultation and come down to our offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.