BOO! Safe and Spooky – Halloween Safety

Post by  Gina Arnold-Stone 

Double, double toil and trouble

            Fire burn and cauldron bubble

 Ghouls and goblins fill the night

            Rev’ling in all the fright

 Shrieks and shrills are all you hear

            As the children don their gear

 Head of toad, claw of dragon

            Can you see with that mask on?

 Fairy wings that shimmer and light

            Walk safely among the night

 Glow sticks and rings about the child

            And a flashlight swinging wild

 Children’s screams in delight

            For the morsels of the night

 Wag of dog, wing of bat

            That’s not wrapped, don’t eat that.

 Parents parade down the street

            Making sure it’s all a treat

 Cauldrons full of “Double Bubble”

            Drivers slow down, avoiding trouble

 Candles aflame in every Jack

            Don’t you dare turn your back

I extend my deepest apologies to William Shakespeare for the butchering of Macbeth.

Happy Halloween!  This is one of my favorite holidays, kicking off the fall season, and a chance to be creative and have some fun.

Some things to keep in mind and keep the fun rolling:

• Make sure costumes fit properly, they aren’t too long, or create a trip hazard.
• Dress for the weather, it’s starting to get a bit chilly in some spots.  A cold Princess is a grumpy Princess.
• Masks limit your peripheral vision, avoid them at all costs.  You might not see the car that doesn’t see you
• Flashlights, glow sticks, glow necklaces and bracelets all help keep our little goblins safe and visible
• Many malls and community centers provide for a safe trick or treating experience,  check with your local shops and city centers.  In addition, there are usually costume contests
• If you are out driving on Halloween, reduce your speed, and be extra mindful of children darting across the streets – they only have candy on their mind, not oncoming traffic
• Just say no to candles.  You can use the LED light up “candles” for your jack-o’lanterns, and the bonus, you can leave them on all night
• Many hospitals still offer free x-ray of candy to avoid any foreign objects.  Go through your children’s candy and remove any that look like they have been opened, or tampered with. (This also gives you a chance to snag something you like)
• Make sure your pets are safely out of the way and not able to dart out the door when passing out candy.  Costumes can also upset pets known to you, be vigilant against agitated animals.
• Keep your yard and walkways free from debris.  Be watchful for trip hazards such as garden hoses, or dips in the lawn that could twist an ankle.

Wishing you all a safe, fun, and spooktacular Halloween! (And may we suggest a Bee costume!)

-Gina