Stay Safe this Halloween!

Get your costumes, tricks, and treats ready because the spookiest day of the year is almost here! CD Law is wishing everyone a fun and festive Halloween full of happy and safe celebrations. This week, we don’t want to spook you, but we do want to spread awareness of potential Halloween dangers and risks. From trick-or-treating safety to candy concerns, we’re sharing a few essential tips to help keep your Halloween night fun, safe and free from legal trouble!

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids, but also one of the most dangerous. The American Red Cross shares that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

To help prevent accidents, remember:

• Always accompany younger children while trick-or-treating.
• Remind kids to look both ways before crossing the street and to use crosswalks.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes to help make them more visible.
• Stick to well-lit neighborhoods and sidewalks whenever possible.

Not planning on trick-or-treating? If you’re driving during trick-or-treat hours SLOW DOWN, keep your headlights on, and stay alert for kids crossing unexpectedly and be prepared for a rise in walking pedestrians. The National Safety Council also recommends discouraging new and inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

Candy Safety

It’s not an urban legend. Candy acquired by trick-or-treating can be a real danger. But it’s not just those scary stories of candy that’s been tampered with. Real danger also lies in regular and untouched sweets. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends parents and caregivers inspect all candy before letting kids, or themselves, dig in. Here are a few key reminders:

• Inspect wrappers for tampering. Look for tears, holes, or discoloration.
• Check ingredient labels if your child has food allergies, and remove any unsafe items.
• Avoid choking hazards for little ones and toss anything like hard candies, nuts, gum, popcorn, or small toys.
• Stick to commercially wrapped treats and avoid homemade goodies unless you know the source personally.

Choosing Costumes Wisely

Stay away from long trailing fabric so no one trips and falls. Be sure your little one’s costume fits them properly as well, for the same reason.

Opt for face paint and makeup over masks, because masks can disrupt vision.

When choosing face paint, be mindful of ingredients. The FDA recommends testing a patch on your child’s skin 24 to 48 hours before Halloween to watch for irritation. If using vibrant colors, check the FDA’s list of color additives to see if the colors are FDA approved.

Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label.

Home Safety for Trick-or-Treaters

• If you’re welcoming visitors this Halloween, make your home safe for little ghosts and goblins.
• Keep walkways clear of decorations or cords that could cause trips or falls.
• Use battery-powered candles instead of open flames in pumpkins or displays.
• Keep pets inside and away from the door to avoid any accidental escapes or scares.

Have a Safe and Spooktacular Halloween!

CD Law is wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween, and good luck with your costume contests! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with family, handing out candy, or just enjoying the festivities, a little extra caution can make sure the only scares this year are the fun kind.