Halloween Safety for Your Kids from a Guy Who Knows Trouble

Allen Ritchie • October 31, 2024

Question:  My grandson is coming to spend Halloween week with me. It’s been 40 years since I took a little one out for trick or treat. Any legal changes over that time?

JASON:   Halloween is one of my favorite holidays – especially shared with a young child. But because I help injured people every day, it seems that I am always looking out for potential danger.

Here are some things I have seen over my years practicing law in and around Mobile.

  • If you get a store-bought costume, check that the child can see clearly. When I was a child, the full-face mask was typical. Over the years, we have learned that they are just not safe. Since kids cannot see clearly with this type of mask, every year, children will be taken to the emergency room because of slip and fall accidents.
  • Make sure the costume is flame-retardant. Nowadays, many children’s costumes are made overseas, and those countries may not have the safety standards we expect here in the USA. Tragically, I am thinking of a particular case where a candle in a pumpkin set the child’s costume ablaze. Horrible.
  • Keep sharp objects out of your child’s hands. It may add to the Halloween look, but pointy objects can hurt not only your child but other children. If you would not let your child run through the house with the object, do not let them carry it.
  • Take extra caution crossing streets and even walking on the sidewalk. I strongly encourage the buddy system so your children have another set of eyes looking out for them. Of course, nothing is as good as holding their hand …. But hey, it’s Halloween, and that can be a tough order.
  • Inspect all candy. It is just part of life these days. Statistically, the chance of problems is slim, but you don’t want to be that one exception. If it looks odd, throw it out.

Let me give a reminder to drivers. Halloween can be challenging as you drive down even your own street. GO SLOW. Enjoy the kids, the costumes, and the decorations. Kids can dart out into the street very, very quickly. Not surprisingly, clients tell me all the time that tragedy can happen in an instant. Please, especially at this time of year, drive with extreme caution.

And I cannot close without giving you a few things to do if there is an accident. First, get medical treatment and call 911 if needed. Then, if possible, exchange contact information and gather any evidence (pictures, names of witnesses, etc.).

We help people who are hurt in all types of accidents. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us. The call will cost you nothing. We are proud to be called “the lawyers near me” in and around Tillmans Corner.

Jason Steele

Personal Injury Attorney in Mobile, AL

Talk to me for free at ( 251) 666-1212.

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