5 Halloween Safety Tips You Must Know
Halloween is filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun. However, some Halloween traditions can be dangerous. Here are some Halloween safety tips to keep in mind this season.
Autumn brings cold weather, earlier days, and many exciting holidays like Halloween. People of all ages, young and old, love celebrating this classic spooky holiday. From dressing up in awesome costumes and eating lots of yummy candy to binge-watching horror movie marathons, it’s no wonder why so many people love Halloween.
Tricks and treats aside, some of the most popular Halloween traditions can be extremely dangerous for children and adults. When not done correctly, people celebrating his holiday can find themselves highly sick, injured, or hospitalized.
Thankfully, I’ve rounded up these five Halloween safety tips to keep in mind. These tips will help all adults and children have fun and stay safe while celebrating Halloween.
Halloween Safety Tips
Do Not Serve Alcohol To Minors
This should be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, many college-aged students may appear at bars ready to dance, mingle, and party the night away. That said, not all college students are of age to drink or handle alcoholic beverages.
Make sure you ask for ID before serving anyone who appears to be under the age of 30. This will help you to avoid the possibility of accidentally providing minors with alcohol. Giving alcoholic beverages to children has grave consequences, which include jail time. So, please be cautious.
Check All Halloween Candy Before Consuming
Most police departments send out a notice before Halloween reminding parents and adults to check candy before consumption. This simple 5-minute action can help prevent someone from experiencing a choking hazard, consuming something poisonous, or being laced with an unknown substance. It will also help adults and children trick or treating to be more aware of the dangers that come with consuming candy mindlessly.
Here are some things you should look for when checking Halloween candy
- An unusual appearance or discoloration
- Tiny pin holes or tears in wrappers
- Spoiled or unwrapped items
- Discard homemade items or baked goods unless you know who gave them.
Use The Buddy System
Always use the buddy system regardless of whether you’re partying or letting your children trick and treat alone. Don’t allow anyone to venture off alone, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, bars, college apartments, or crowded places.
Some scariest things that can happen around Halloween are child kidnappings and assaults. As a parent, ensure everyone is collecting candy and take pictures of their costumes and clothes.
If you’re partying, check each other’s numbers and check in occasionally. If you see something, step in and say something. Also, never leave anyone alone.
Wash Off All Makeup Before Bed
Sleeping with makeup on is tempting, and would make your inner child happy on Halloween. However, one of the worst things you can do on Halloween is to sleep with a face full of makeup. In general, it’s a pretty lousy thing to do. However, doing it with Halloween makeup is even worse.
Makeup carries germs, bacteria, and dirt, which can cause breakouts, pimples, acne, and other skin-related problems. Also, many Halloween makeup brands may use harsh chemicals that cause eye irritation, cause skin rashes, or harden the skin.
For younger children, wearing costume makeup for too long may cause itchiness and irritability, which may tempt them to touch their faces and put their hands inside their mouths. This can cause the child to get severely sick. Washing off Halloween makeup keeps you and your child safe and healthy.
Don’t Drive Under The Influence
This one should be a no-brainer too. However, I’ve seen too many people driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, especially on major holidays. If you’re planning to participate in alcohol or drug usage, please appoint someone as your designated driver (DD).
According to the New York Times article, “about one of every four people killed in crashes each year on Oct. 31, double the average for an ordinary day….” You can do your part by simply choosing to:
- Use public transportation
- Use ride-sharing apps
- Appointing a designated driver
- Not drinking or doing drugs
- Staying indoors and having a Halloween self-care night.
How Safe Can You Be On Halloween
I hope you’re not too scared about dressing up, partying, or trick or treating this year. These Halloween safety tips are meant to help you have fun while being aware of the dangers of this holiday.
Although Halloween may seem unsafe, there is much you can do to protect yourself and others from the dangers. Before the 31st, I encourage you to research and be aware of your surroundings.
How are you planning to stay safe this Halloween? Let me know in the comments.
