Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters, homeowners and motorists

The arrival of hand-carved pumpkins, ghoulish ghosts, cackling witches, and spooky skeletons are all signs that Halloween is just around the corner. While Halloween can be one of the most exciting nights of the year for people of all ages, it can be easy to get so caught up in the Halloween spirit that you forget about important safety precautions.

Whether you are supervising a group of young trick-or-treaters, decorating your home to entertain your neighbours or driving to a fun Halloween event, consider these safety tips to ensure a safe Halloween for everyone.

Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters

1. Supervise young trick-or-treaters. All children under the age of 12 should have at least one responsible adult to supervise them while trick-or-treating. Older children trick-or-treating alone should stay in groups of four or five.
2. Establish rules and boundaries. Agree on boundaries before the trick-or-treating begins. Design a route that stays within the local area that is familiar, and set a time that unsupervised groups must return home by. Remind trick-or-treaters to only visit homes that have the porch light on, and to only accept treats at the door – never inside someone’s home or car.
3. Walk and cross streets carefully. Always keep to sidewalks and paths wherever possible. Visit all the homes on one side of the street first, before crossing to the next. Cross at designated areas (crosswalks and intersections) and obey traffic signals. Always look both ways before crossing the street, listen for traffic, walk calmly, remain alert and continue looking for oncoming vehicles while crossing.
4. Safety-proof costumes. Help young trick-or-treaters avoid long costumes that could pose a potential tripping hazard, as well as a fire hazard near open flames and candles. Offer the use of face paint and makeup instead of masks, which have the potential to obstruct a child’s vision and breathing.
5. Increase visibility. It can become very difficult for motorists to spot young trick-or-treaters in the dark, especially if they are wearing dark-coloured costumes. Encourage bright-coloured costumes or accessories. Reflective stickers on treat bags are a great way to get kids involved. Supply kids and adults with glow sticks and flashlights.
6. Examine collected treats. Remind your trick-or-treaters to refrain from enjoying any of their candy haul until all goodies have been examined by an adult at home. Any candy with opened or ripped packaging should be discarded immediately.

Halloween safety tips for homeowners

1. Watch your wiring. Use outdoor extension cords for lawn decor. Make sure that all wiring is in good condition and electrical outlets are not overloaded. Check that cords and wires are positioned in a place to not pose a tripping hazard. Never staple or nail your electric cords into place, as this could damage the wire and/or insulation – potentially causing electrical shock or fire.
2. Keep entryways clear and visible. Check the path that trick-or-treaters will take from the sidewalk to your front door is clear of debris, that all holes and related obstacles are clearly marked and that the pathway is well-lit. Having a well-lit driveway and yard could also help to deter pranksters and vandals from potentially targeting your home.
3. Use flameless candles. Battery-operated candles last longer inside of your jack-o-lanterns than traditional tea lights. They also will help avoid the danger of an accidental fire.
4. Choose decorations carefully. Avoid dried items such as cornstalks, dried flowers and crepe paper that are highly combustible. If you do choose to include these, ensure that they are kept far away from flames and other heat sources, including light bulbs.

Halloween safety tips for drivers

1. Avoid peak times. Avoid driving in subdivisions during the popular trick-or-treating hours of 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Halloween night.
2. Drive slowly. Allow ample time to arrive at your destination and drive slowly. It is best to keep well below the speed limit when driving through residential neighbourhoods, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours.
3. Pay attention. While you should always remain alert when behind the wheel, you should pay extra attention to your surroundings on Halloween night. Keep a look out for children who may be unexpectedly running across the street from the sidewalk or darting out from in between parked cars. You must also exercise extreme caution when pulling in and out of your driveway.
4. Turn your lights on. Many children will be wearing dark costumes that makes it difficult to spot them, especially at night. You should turn your headlights on earlier in the day to better watch out for young trick-or-treaters from a distance.
5. Keep your vehicle in the garage. There is a serious risk of personal vehicles being vandalized on Halloween night. Keep your vehicle safe from slashed tires, smashed windows, key scratches, graffiti or damage caused by projectiles such as eggs and pumpkins, by keeping it securely locked in a garage or other enclosure. If your vehicle is victim to an act of vandalism you may be covered under your auto insurance policy if you have comprehensive coverage.

Sometimes accidents happen, even when you have taken all the right precautions, being proactive about your insurance coverage can go a long way. To review your existing coverage, or to get a new quote, Orbit Insurance Services is your ally! Visit orbitinsuranceservices.ca/office-locations to contact an Orbit insurance broker or request a free quote today!