Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Share Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner, and children around the country will be putting on costumes and trick-or-treating around their neighborhoods. The attorneys and staff at Galfand Berger want everyone to have a safe and fun holiday and remember the following safety tips.

Halloween safety starts with the costume. When dressing children up as their favorite character or superhero, make sure costumes are brightly colored and use reflective tape wherever possible. Costumes should be flame resistant, and they should be the right size to prevent tripping hazards. If possible, parents should opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct vision. Children should carry glow sticks or flashlights, and if they have other props such as a sword or cane, make sure they are not sharp or too long, as they can cause injuries.

Stay Safe While Trick-or-Treating

When trick-or-treating, young children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Older children who are going out alone should review their route with parents or guardians beforehand and specify a time to arrive home. Trick-or-treaters should only go to houses that have porch lights on and never enter a stranger’s house or car. No one should go trick-or-treating alone; stick with a group and bring a cell phone in case of emergency.

To avoid pedestrian injuries, trick-or-treaters should always stay on well-lit sidewalks and avoid using shortcuts through yards or alleys. Always cross the street on a crosswalk, and teach children to look both ways before crossing. Keep an eye out for cars that are turning or backing up, and do not walk between parked cars, as it can be difficult to see oncoming traffic. Smartphones and other devices should be kept away while trick-or-treating to avoid distraction, and trick-or-treaters should always walk, not run, to the next house.

No Halloween celebration is complete without candy. Children should only eat candy that is factory sealed and has not been opened. Parents or guardians should inspect the candy for any choking hazards, spoiled items, or tampering before children eat. While it can be tempting to eat all of the treats as soon as trick-or-treating is over, rationing candy for the days after Halloween can make the celebration last longer, as well as avoid stomachaches.

Drivers Must Be Extra Careful

Those who are not trick-or-treating can also help keep children safe on Halloween. Drivers in particular should keep an eye out for children, who can be very unpredictable, and keep speeds low in residential areas. Turn headlights on early to increase visibility, and take extra care when entering or exiting driveways or going through intersections. Distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and others, so drivers should maintain focus at all times, particularly when so many kids are out and about.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Help Injury Victims Win Compensation

While every parent or guardian does their best to keep their children safe on Halloween, accidents can happen. If you or your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, call the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger. Our knowledgeable, dedicated legal team will thoroughly review the facts of your case to win you the compensation to which you are entitled. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online for a free consultation.