Getting Ready for a Safe Halloween

By Michele Blandino

Halloween means that kids everywhere will be making their annual trek through your neighborhood, hoping to bag as much candy as possible. Before we send their children off, most parents will take the time to issue the standard warnings: stay in the neighborhood, don't eat any candy until an adult has had a chance to inspect it, make sure to stay with a buddy, and cross only at intersections.

As parents and homeowners, however, your responsibility doesn't stop with your kids; you also need to make sure your home is safe for the scores of trick-or-treaters that will make their way to our doorsteps that evening. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Jack-o-Lanterns

Halloween just wouldn't be the same without carving at least one jack-o-lantern. And, while most kids are anxious to do the deed themselves, this is a task that is best left to adults. Carving a pumpkin is difficult and involves the use of a very sharp, very long, knife which can cause serious injury if it slips or suddenly changes direction. To appease the youngsters, have them come up with the design and ask them to sketch it on the pumpkin so all that is left for you to do is carve. Light jack-o-lanterns with a flashlight rather than candles. While the flicker of a candle inside a jack-o-lantern is definitely more festive, it only takes a second for a costume to ignite in flames. Likewise, keep any jack-o-lanterns that you light indoors away from draperies, decorations and the reach of children and pets.

Make a Clear Path

Make sure the sidewalk, walkway or path to your home is well-lit and clear of debris such as sticks, leaves, and tree branches as well as items such as bicycles and skateboards. Little ones caught up in the excitement of Halloween aren't likely to look for obstacles in their way and can be severely injured should they have an "encounter" with something in their path. Likewise, take a good look at the decorations in front of your home. While that noose hanging from the tree in your front yard might give your house a frightfully festive look, remember, it only takes a second for an accident to occur. Before Halloween night, be sure to closely survey your yard and remove any items that could potentially harm a child.

On the Road

If you are out driving, be extra cautious and pay particular attention in areas where there may not be many street lights or where there are many parked cars along the side of the road. Remember, there will be more kids out and about than usual, and many of them will, at least temporarily, probably forget most of the warnings they received before setting out for the evening.