Happy Halloween to all of our clients, friends and colleagues!
We may have already received our Halloween trickery with the historic October snowstorm this weekend, so hopefully from now on we can expect the Halloween treats. The forecasted weather for New York City and the surrounding areas is pretty mild, with temperatures in the upper 40’s to mid 50’s and clear skies. After this weekend, we can handle that, right?
(Photo Source: The beautiful illustration in this blog article was made by Janet Stever)
Below are some Halloween Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe while trick or treating or attending parties dressed in your Halloween best.
Halloween Safety Tips 2011
TIPS FOR DRIVERS
- Do Not Talk or Text and Drive! Distracted driving causes 25% of driving accidents nationwide and is against the law in New York and many other states. With increased children out and about on Halloween, all drivers must take extra precaution.
- Be aware of children darting out between parked automobiles.
- Use caution while entering and exiting driveways.
- During twilight and evening hours be mindful of children in dark costumes.
TRICK OR TREATING TIPS
These are tips you may want to discuss with your children prior to going trick or treating or letting them go off on their own.
- An adult should always accompany children under 12 years of age.
- Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups in well known neighborhoods.
- Trick or treat on well-lit streets within your neighborhood. Do not take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or parks.
- Dial 9-1-1 in case they have an emergency or get lost.
- Do not go inside a stranger’s house or car. Remain on the stoop or porch at all times. Be cautious of strangers approaching you in costume.
- Never accept candy from strangers.
- Always walk on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing a street. Do not cross in between cars.
- Use the buddy system, and make sure you have at least one buddy with you the entire evening.
- Examine and discard all candies that are not factory sealed or wrapped by the candy manufacturer. Never eat homemade or unwrapped treats.
COSTUME TIPS
- Purchase flame retardant costumes. Avoid any type of open flame while wearing costume.
- Children should wear white, reflective clothing, or use reflective tape and carry either a flashlight or glow stick.
- Costumes should fit properly, avoid loose or baggy clothing.
- Encourage children to wear face paint instead of a mask. Face paint should be non-toxic and meet FDA standards.
- If mask is worn, make sure that the eye, mouth and nose openings are large enough to ensure adequate breathing and full range of vision.
- Be sure that all props for your child’s costume carry are made of material that is flexible and nonrealistic looking.
REMEMBER- A flame-retardant costume does not mean that it is fire proof. Always keep your costume away from any type of open flame or other heat sources.
GENERAL PARENTAL TIPS
- Use battery powered lights instead of open flame candles in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.
- Do not let children carve a pumpkin unsupervised.
- Do not hand out homemade or unwrapped candies to children.
- Plan a route for your child to use while trick-or-treating and set an early return time.
- To welcome trick-or-treaters, switch on your porch lights or any exterior lights.
- Keep your home safe for trick-or-treaters by removing from your porch or front walkways any tripping hazards such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. Also, sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.
- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
- Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween today and this evening. If you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, at Mackoul & Associates, we are always here to help. Stay tuned for the next blog article as we will announce of the winner of our October Kindle Contest!
