Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting time of year. To help ensure you and your children can enjoy it safely, FBD Insurance has prepared some handy tips for you.

Keep “trick-or-treaters” safe

• If you let your older children go alone, make sure they stay in groups.
• Plan your trick-or-treating route before you leave and make sure the kids coming with you know where they’re going.
• Only visit places in familiar neighbourhoods.
• Avoid shortcuts and stay in well-lit areas.
• Only visits houses with lights on and avoid isolated or dark houses.
• Walk on paths and always follow the safe cross code.
• Make sure your kids know not to enter a stranger’s home under any circumstances
• Carry torches or glow sticks.
• Check all sweets and treats before eating and remember to take home some healthy options like apples and nuts as well.
• Be fire safe. Avoid bonfires and keep children away from candles, bangers, fireworks, sparklers etc. Call 112 or 999 in an emergency

Get your home trick-or-treater ready

• Remove items such as toys, bikes, garden hoses and decorations, etc. that could cause trick-or-treaters to slip or trip.
• Turn on outdoor lights and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Sweep wet leaves from your steps, pavements and driveway.
• Restrain pets so they don’t scare or harm trick-or-treaters.
• Give trick-or-treaters treats and snacks or they’ll play a trick on you.

 Costume Safety

• Test your costumes before trick-or-treating. Ensure there’s no risk of tripping in your outfits or having allergic reactions to make-up and fabrics. Check that your child’s costume meets fire safety standards.
• Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Avoid masks or accessories that can obstruct your kid’s vision.
• Wear comfortable shoes and stay warm.

 Tips for motorists

• Drive slowly, especially in residential areas that may have trick-or-treaters.
• Don’t overtake stopped cars that might be dropping off children.
• Make your vehicle more visible by turning on your lights, even during daylight.
• Stay alert and don’t get distracted. Keep your eyes and mind on the road.
• Pay extra attention at junctions, corners and intersections. Children might cross from anywhere and may have costumes making them less visible or obscuring their vision!
• Be very careful when starting the car, parking, or backing up – make sure there are no children behind or around your car.

 

Have fun and keep safe this Halloween with these tips from FBD Insurance! If your car breaks down, FBD Insurance offers 24-hour roadside and doorstep breakdown assistance coverage. Additionally, if you need help with covering your home, take a look at their home insurance options.

Note: This is a collaborative post