By Ken Levinson
This time of year always reminds me of when my three boys were little guys (not sure how I can be old enough that they are all driving!). Hope you are having a great October. Halloween is right around the corner, which means that it’s time for scary movies, pumpkin carving, and eating lots (and lots) of candy.
It’s also a time of year that can make parents, caregivers, and even homeowners a bit nervous. Kids of all ages go traipsing out into the night, decked from head to toe, in search of treats and perhaps a few frights.
With this in mind, I put together some ideas to help you keep safe while celebrating this Halloween. Please feel free to forward this email along to other families and friends who might be interested.
- Trick: Mask properly. The masks that come with costumes are not a substitute for PPE when it comes to COVID-19. Remember to keep an extra mask on hand or practice distancing to stay safe as applicable.
- Treat: Light things up. Look for ways to incorporate glow sticks or reflective tape into costumes to make them more visible to drivers at night. You can also decorate treat sacks to help stand out.
- Trick: Follow along. Kids want their space, but instead of sending them out alone, make sure younger children have supervision. You can follow at a distance and make yourself useful carrying all of their loot in the process.
- Treat: Candy rules. Everyone knows candy is king at Halloween. Establish an intake process where all candy is checked by an adult for safety. You can also keep it in a dedicated basket to make sure they enjoy it in moderation, too.
- Trick: Involve kids. Talk with your children this Halloween about your safety concerns. By including them in the conversation, you can come up with guidelines together that everyone understands and agrees to.
- Treat: Join in. Not interested in donning a costume? That’s fine! Add a little festive flair to your front door or walk to invite trick-or-treaters. You can also leave a dish of candy out if you plan on turning in early for the night.
- Trick: Be prepared: Put away anything that could be a tripping hazard as people make their way to your front door. It’s also a good idea to keep pets away from visitors and make sure you have enough lighting to keep everyone safe.
Despite our best efforts, the unexpected does still happen from time to time. If you or someone you know is in need of legal guidance following a Halloween celebration (or otherwise), please let me know. We’re here to help answer your questions.
Above all, I wish you a safe and happy Halloween!
