Halloween Safety: Adult Edition
Most people think of children’s safety when planning for Halloween activities. But Halloween fun and preparedness doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you’re driving home from work during trick-or-treating hours, hosting a party or handing out candy at your home, these safety tips can help keep you and others safe this Halloween.
Safety Tips for Motorists
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day. Unfortunately, you might be sharing the road with drivers under the influence of alcohol or another substance.
As a motorist on Halloween, it’s best to practice defensive driving regardless of whether you’re on the highway or in your neighborhood. Additional motorist tips include:
- Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.
- Remove all distractions and stay off your phone.
- Carefully enter and exit alleys and driveways.
- Slow down when you are near pedestrians as children may suddenly dart into your path.
Always be alert and prepared to stop for trick-or-treaters at corners, crosswalks and traffic signals.
Party Hosting Tips
If you plan to host a Halloween party (for children or adults), be sure to review the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) related to small and large gatherings.
When decorating for your party, be mindful of decorations that can become a safety hazard. For example, you can reduce fire hazards on Halloween by swapping open-flame candles for battery-operated candles both inside and outside.
If your guests will be drinking at the party, encourage them to walk to your home, arrange for a designated driver or plan to use a rideshare service at the end of the night.
Homeowner Preparedness
If someone is injured on your property on Halloween, you could be held liable. Prepare your home for trick-or-treaters and other guests by:
- Making sure sidewalks and other pathways are lit and free of trip hazards (e.g. electric cords, water hoses).
- Clearing your property of debris and other hazards in case children don’t use sidewalks or properly lit areas.
- Safely securing your pets as they may become confused, protective or aggressive due to additional foot traffic, loud noises and costumes.
For more Halloween safety tips, check out EMS Safety’s top tips for trick-or-treating.
