Getting dressed up in a great costume starts the Halloween fun. The tips below apply to both children and adults.
Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
Masks can limit or block eyesight so consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
Another safe idea is to use makeup to create that scary face. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
Look for that Flame-Resistant label on costumes, wigs, and accessories.
If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your costume, make sure it is not sharp or long.
Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional.
Get the kids to draw the face on the pumpkin with markers, then the adults can do the cutting.
Consider using a glow stick, battery powered candle, or flashlight inside the pumpkin. Candlelit pumpkins should never be left unattended.
Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
The number one rule of any party is never put your drink down, walk away and then pick it up again. You have no idea who has touched it, what they've put in it or whether they've sipped from it. Either hold on to your drink or, if you do put it down, simply get a new one. Date rape drugs are easily slipped into cocktails and ingested by unknowing victims — when in doubt, throw the drink out.
The best way to enjoy a cocktail or two to celebrate Halloween is to stick with one alcohol all night. Whether it's vodka or tequila, beer or wine, making a choice and not changing during the evening will keep your odds of over-indulging to a minimum. A punch bowl is an unknown concoction of alcohol, mixers and who knows what else and should be avoided.
You already know that sugar is not the best for you but consider this: If you are drinking alcohol and eating miniature (or full size) candy bars all night you are loading up on sugar, which can make your hangover that much worse. If you are not someone who usually eats tons of sugary snacks, the crash can be especially bad. Be sure to line your tummy with some substantial food before beginning to enjoy the evening and you'll feel much better the next day.
Designate a sober driver in advance. If intending to drink alcohol, plan ahead to get home safely by selecting a designated driver or Uber service is available from the party location. Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.
Watch for children in the street. Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obscured by masks, darting out into traffic. Trick-or-treating, children may not pay attention to traffic and might cross mid-block or between parked cars. Motorists should scan far ahead when driving in residential areas, watch for children, and cautiously monitor their actions.
We wish you a great Fall Festival and Halloween season. When you have questions about your insurance, we have solid answers.
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Sources: Healthy Children, The Spruce, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center