Halloween is a fun time to get dressed up, attend costume parties, and go trick-or-treating with friends and family. However, it’s also a time to keep safety in mind as you walk through neighborhoods for trick-or-treating or attend haunted houses. Today, we’ll go over the importance of Halloween Safety Month and how you can stay safe this year.
Contents of This Article:
- What Is Halloween Safety Month?
- Why Is Safety Important During Halloween?
- Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
- Keep Your Rentals Safe With BMG
What Is Halloween Safety Month?
Halloween has ancient Celtic origins dating over 2,000 years, rooted in the festival of Samhain, marking the shift from harvest to winter. It was believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the living and dead blurred, leading to customs like bonfires and costumes. With Christian influence, it evolved into All Saints’ Day and Halloween. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought it to North America in the 19th century, blending with local customs. In the 20th century, commercialization led to the Halloween we recognize today, with mass-produced costumes and the widespread practice of trick-or-treating.
Halloween Safety Month occurs in the month of October and is a time to promote safety awareness during the Halloween season. While Halloween is a time to wear fun costumes, attend spooky parties, and eat yummy candy, it’s also a time when accidents can happen. That’s why we’re taking the time to acknowledge Halloween Safety Month and offer tips for those celebrating this season.
Why Is Safety Important During Halloween?
Safety is crucial during Halloween for several reasons. For one, Halloween often involves children and adults walking around neighborhoods after dark. As such, it’s important to ensure that everyone is visible and cautious while crossing streets or walking through neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, road accidents increase during Halloween. With all the excitement of trick-or-treating, kids will often become careless while crossing streets. So, drivers and trick-or-treaters must look out for each other and take extra precautions on Halloween.
Also, there’s a high risk of fire accidents during Halloween. Many people like to light pumpkins or decorate their homes using candles. However, combining Halloween costumes with loose-hanging, highly flammable fabrics with candles can be risky. So, it’s important to use caution and avoid loose clothing when around open flames.
Finally, it’s also important to use caution while carving pumpkins. If not done correctly, carving pumpkins can be dangerous for children and result in severe hand injuries. So, if you plan on carving a pumpkin during the Halloween season, use caution and specialized pumpkin carving tools.
Next, we’ll go over some essential safety tips for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
Staying safe during Halloween involves taking precautions to prevent accidents or mishaps. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween night full of trick-or-treating.
- Plan Ahead
- Costume Safety
- Visibility
- Crossing Streets Safely
- Inspect Treats
Plan Ahead
Before heading out for Halloween festivities, like trick-or-treating, you may want to plan your route. For instance, choose familiar neighborhoods and set a time limit for your activities. Also, ensure there are plenty of adults in your group and that everyone knows the meeting point in case you get separated. This way, you can enjoy the night without worrying about getting lost or staying out too late.
Costume Safety
When it comes to costumes, safety should always be a priority. So, opt for well-fitted outfits that don’t drag on the ground to prevent tripping. Also, masks may obstruct vision, so you may consider using face paint or makeup instead. If a mask is a must, ensure it provides clear vision and adequate ventilation.
Visibility
Enhancing visibility is crucial on Halloween, especially after dark. Consider attaching reflective tape or stickers to costumes or bags, making it easier for drivers to spot you. Additionally, carry flashlights or glow sticks–not only do they add to the fun, but they also ensure that you’re easily seen in the dark.
Crossing Streets Safely
Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals while trick-or-treating or walking around town. Look both ways before crossing and try to make eye contact with drivers so you know that you see each other. It’s essential to be cautious and make sure vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing in front of them.
Inspect Treats
Before indulging in any Halloween treats, take a moment to inspect them. Check for any signs of tampering or unusual packaging. Additionally, be mindful of allergens. If there’s any doubt about the safety of a treat, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Keep Your Rentals Safe With BMG
Halloween Safety Month is a time for trick-or-treaters and those who celebrate Halloween to recognize the dangers and take precautions while celebrating. However, it’s also a time to keep your homes safe. After all, there’s more traffic, visitors, and people walking around each neighborhood. So, it’s important to keep your home a safe and secure place for you and trick-or-treaters visiting.
If you own rental properties and have tenants living in them, you’ll want to ensure they keep their homes well-lit and easily accessible for trick-or-treaters (if they plan on participating). One way to ensure your rentals are safe and well-maintained all year round is with professional property management. Bay Property Management Group offers comprehensive rental management services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. So, whether you need help finding tenants, performing maintenance, or collecting rent payments, we’ve got it covered. Contact BMG today to learn more!
