Halloween is full of tricks and treats but children should be aware that there are more things to watch out for than ghosts and ghouls. Kids love Halloween almost as much as when the jolly man in the red suit comes in December. There are so many hidden dangers on Halloween night from New York car accidents waiting to happen to unleashed animals roaming the streets. Knowing the hidden dangers can help prevent your child from being injured.
Over 36 million children are on the streets on October 31st romping from house to house in hopes of filling their bags full of candy and maybe getting fun frights along the way. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the chances of a child between the ages of five and fourteen being hurt in a car accident triple on Halloween over any other evening throughout the year.
Nationwide, more than 500 motorists a year are killed during the week of Halloween, making it among the deadliest weeks on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Due to the increased number of children being killed or injured on this holiday, the New York State Division of Police has provided parents with excellent list to help your children have a safe and fun Halloween:
1. Do not allow a child to go “Trick or Treating” alone. Be sure older children TAKE A FRIEND and an ADULT accompanies young children.
2. Be certain to accompany young children to the door of every house they approach.
3. Be certain that parents are familiar with every house and all people from which the children receive treats.
4. Children should be cautioned that they should NOT enter any home without prior permission from their parents.
5. Children should be cautioned not to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent.
6. Make sure that all children carry a glow stick or wear reflective clothing.
7. When using facial masks, make sure that children can see and breathe properly and easily.
8. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
9. Children should be warned to NEVER approach any house that is not well lit and does not have a porch or “outside” light on.
10. Children should be cautioned to remember any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents and/or the proper official.
11. Children should be cautioned to run away from people who try to trick them with special treats.
12. Children should be instructed to scream and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them, in any way, to go with them.
13. Parents should inspect all treats and dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, has been opened, or is not wrapped.
14. A good alternative to “Trick or Treating” is for parents to organize parties at home, in schools, or in community centers.
The Division of Police also knows keeping safety fun helps kids learn. Click here for a cool pictures for your kids to color.
If your child was inured due to a New York pedestrian accident, car accident or negligent property owner on Halloween, contact the New York City injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose today for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 718-261-0549.
