Safety tips for Halloween this year

We often talk about safety in the workplace, but many of us have kids, so we thought it would be a good idea to touch on how to make sure they’re kept safe this Halloween, and others too.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. It is NOT a UK Bank Holiday. Halloween (or All Hallow’ evening) is believed to have pagan origins from Celtic harvest festivals where people believed that the spirits of dead people could come alive. The thoughts were that if you dressed up and went outside, you would be safe. It was once outlawed in Puritan times. The tradition was taken to the United States by the colonists, being returned commercialised and bigger than we now see it.

“Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting
Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing”

How to keep visitors stay safe this Halloween

If your local area is known for receiving Trick-or-Treaters, it would be a good idea to check the outside of your home for any trip hazards, you don’t want someone tripping over rakes, hoses, or discarded bikes. It would be advised to ensure that your steps and entrances are also well lit.

If you have a pet, be mindful that your 40 kg hunk may be a sweet cuddly baby to you, but could be a potential danger to others. Especially if your much-loved pooch gets all excited by celebrations. They could accidentally knock someone over. It may be best to not have your dog outside, or be able to approach the door when receiving a visit.

NEVER offer treats that include well-known allergens, such as nuts.

How to keep your home safe this Halloween

More and more people are decorating their homes for Halloween, just like they do for Christmas. With this in mind, you may be tempted to overload electrical sockets. At best, you will blow a fuse, but the worst scenario is you can cause a fire. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

If you’re lighting your pumpkins or using candles elsewhere, ensure that they are away from flammable material to avoid a potential fire hazard and not be able to hurt your visitors.

Be careful when cutting your pumpkins, ensure that children are supervised at all times

Do not pre-advertise that you are off Trick-or-Treating. If your home will be empty during the evening, ensure it’s locked up tightly, this includes your sheds and garage.

5 Tips on how to keep your pets safe this Halloween

Not all pets like loud noise, and there’s potential for the night to become noisy, and frightening. Keep them inside
If you’re taking your pet along with you to Trick-or-Treat, make sure they are on a lead
If you’re dressing them up too, make sure that the outfit isn’t impeding them
Ensure that your pets are not left unattended as their outfit could quickly become a choke or strangulation hazard
Never give sweets/chocolates to your much-loved pet

10 ideas for staying safe whilst Trick-Or-Treating this Halloween

Ensure that a responsible adult is with the group. If children are old enough to go unaccompanied, ensure that a pre-planned route is decided and/or trackers are used with an agreed home time. Give the group an emergency contact number
Put electronic devices away and be aware of your surroundings at all times
Always walk on the path, if you HAVE to walk on the road, ensure that you walk FACING oncoming traffic
Carry glow sticks or use reflective material to ensure you can be seen in the dark
Face paint would be better than masks, as they can obscure sight (but be mindful of allergies!)
Don’t use eye colour-altering contact lenses unless you have had advice from an optician
Have fire-resistant costumes and wigs (you can always apply fire retardant spray)
Ensure costumes fit correctly to avoid a trip hazard
Look out for any candles or trip hazards when approaching a property
Always remember the dangers of entering a stranger’s car or property

Eat safely this Halloween

One of the exciting things about Halloween is getting the treats. We have some tips about them too.

Eat a snack before heading out, to avoid temptations when Trick-or-treating
Encourage eating treats once home so that you get the opportunity to properly inspect the packaging for any tampering/ingredients. It will reduce the risk of choking or food allergies
Remove any inappropriate treats for the younger trick-or-treaters, such as chewing gum or choke hazards
If in doubt — THROW it out!

With a bit of planning and a lot of common sense, we’re sure that you and your family will have a wonderful Halloween.

“Some people are born for Halloween, and some are just counting the days until Christmas.” — Stephen Graham Jones

Which are YOU?

Finally, Do remember not everyone enjoys Halloween

From people who may be infirm or nervous, not everyone enjoys Halloween. The general rule is if there is no sign of Halloween decorations at the property, then walk on by and find someone that does want to be involved. Although it is called Trick-or-Treat, the British tradition isn’t to “Trick” someone just because they aren’t able to give you a “Treat”.

Have a scary, but safe Halloween, everyone.

MyTeamSafe®, an award-winning lone-worker App & proud supporter of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust