Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, spooks and ghouls, and all the fun Halloween events that occur around the Chicago area every October. It’s a festive time of year that kids love, but it does come with some risks. Ensuring your family stays safe can be a significant task in this day and age. Below are a few Halloween safety tips to prevent injury and keep safe.
Prevent Auto-Pedestrian Accidents
Did you know?…
Pedestrians are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other day of the year. Be sure to:
- Cross correctly. Always cross intersections at designated crosswalks and be sure to obey the traffic signals. Always look left, look right, and look left again to ensure you are not crossing in front of unwary motorists – and teach your kids, to do so, too.
- Always use the sidewalk. Even if a street seems deserted, the sidewalk is a much safer place to walk. If there are no sidewalks available, keep as far to the left as possible, facing traffic.
- Keep visible. Costumes that are dark in color are especially difficult to see at night. Add reflective tape or wear bright colors to ensure motorists can see you or your children.
Keep Costumes Safe
Even if costumes are light colored enough to remain visible at night, they may pose other risks. Make sure costumes:
- Are flame retardant. Commercially sold costumes should be labeled flame retardant, including masks, wigs, clothing, and accessories.
- Allow full vision. Certain masks can obstruct vision and cause hazardous walking conditions. Ensure all masks, headpieces, and wigs stay out of the wearer’s eyes.
- Are nontoxic. All makeup and other accessories, including masks and fake blood, should be labeled nontoxic. Test makeup on a small area of skin first and be sure to remove it before bedtime.
- Look safe. Fake guns and knives may seem fun, but be careful when brandishing these outside or with people who may not know they are fake.
Keep Safe from Others
Chicago streets are full on Halloween. Special consideration for child safety is often necessary as a result. Make sure you:
- Walk with young children. A responsible adult should accompany younger children while trick or treating or attending Halloween festivities.
- Plan with older children. Set an acceptable route, expected time home, and warn children against entering the home or car of a stranger.
- Stay together, stay alert. No matter who’s trick or treating, travel only in well-lit areas, and stick with a group of friends.
- Save treats for home. Encourage children to hold off on eating their Halloween treats until they’re home; toss any unwrapped candies or treats.
We at Premier Urgent Care wish you a Happy and safe Halloween.
Our board-certified staff provides quick, convenient urgent care services to keep the whole family healthy. Please visit us at our Southside Chicago location whenever you are in need of urgent care services.
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Learn why patients have come to trust Premier Urgent Care. Visit https://premierucchicago.com.
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