Halloween Safety: Staying Safe In 2017

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In 2016, I wrote Recent Clown Sightings: Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Halloween due to the clown sightings at the time and Halloween being just around the corner. I think this article still holds great relevance due the premier of Stephen King’s movie “It” which hit theaters on September 8, 2017. It also highlights a need for Halloween safety this year and every year.

Halloween Safety: 2017 Edition

Recently, I have come across a couple of new ‘clown prank’ videos on social media and while they may seem like ‘good ol’ fashioned fun’ to some, it holds a stance of uncertainty for the victims of the pranks. Some people have an intense fear of clowns and to those people, it’s just not funny…it’s terrifying! As I watched these videos, I tried to put myself in the victim’s shoes and the saying “you just never know” came to my mind. In this case, practicing safety, being aware, and showing courtesy are all equally important, in my opinion.

Halloween Safety in 2017

Taking safety precautions isn’t just for Halloween. On October 31 and the days leading up to this much celebrated holiday, everyone should be alert and aware of their surroundings and the dangers that can present themselves to children and adults. Let’s go over some statistics for the night of Halloween.

Statistics

Auto Accidents – Statistics have shown that children between 5-14 years of age have an increased likelihood of being hit by an automobile on Halloween night.

Crime – The violent crime rate within major cities of the United States, increases by 50% on Halloween night. The peak of violent crime is around 6pm when the streets are filled with trick or treaters, some of which are not accompanied by an adult.

Car Theft – Car theft increases by 50% on Halloween night.

Poisoned Candy – It has been stated by many, including some police departments, that trick or treaters receiving poisoned candy on Halloween night is a myth. However, I encourage every parent or guardian to inspect every item (not just candy) in their child’s trick or treat bag. This safety measure goes back to what I said previously – you just never know.

Safety Tips For A Fun And Safe Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages! However, taking safety precautions HAS to be priority #1.

**The following safety guidelines are courtesy of CNN.com and SafetyKids.org and are also listed in my previous article (2016).

Remain Vigilant

• Report any suspicious activity to authorities, including suspicious social media activity.
• Listen to messages from police and school officials.

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick-or-Treat With An Adult

• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative And Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safe On Halloween

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Pet Safety

Let’s not forget the safety and well being for our canine and feline companions this Halloween!

In closing, let’s remember to have lots of fun this Halloween! Enjoy the festivities with your family and friends! Just remember that safety is always important and, of course, necessary in today’s society.

From all of us here at Survival Life, Happy Halloween!

Do you have a Halloween safety tip you would like to share? Share with us in the comment section below.

Check out our article, Slasher Film Survival Guide: How To Survive A Horror Movie for a unique look into the best horror films ever made, with some great safety tips!

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