Halloween Safety Tips
Trick or treat! Soon little ones will be knocking on doors in costumes and adults going to less-than-kid-friendly (but still fun!) events. Halloween is a fun-for-all-ages day (and night!), but a lot can go wrong without the proper precautions. We want to make sure you are being safe this candy-eating season. Here are some Halloween safety tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy this year.
Tips For Parties and Adult Trick-Or-Treaters
1. Make sure that rowdy party is okay with your neighbors
If you’re planning on having a large party, especially one that goes into the wee hours of the night (or morning!), it’s a good idea and just plain nice to give your neighbors some notice. Even better, invite them to join! No one can complain about the noise if you’re all in on it!
2. Be extra aware on your commute to and from parties
If you are planning to party hard, please do it safely. Make sure you have a designated driver lined up or use services such as Uber or Lyft. If you are driving (and not drinking) watch out for kids in the street. Even the best kids can make a mistake and run out into the road. Drive slowly and watch both sides of the road, especially in residential areas like Crescent Heights or Old Northeast where trick-or-treaters will be out running around full of sugar.
3. Make sure your home is safe inside and out
Make sure there is a clear, well-lit way to and from your front door. This will help ensure no one trips while getting in and out of your party. While fake blood is to be expected, make sure no one sheds any real blood by moving glass or breakable objects out of the party area.
Tips For Parents
1. Don’t walk in the street
This seems like a no-brainer, but in neighborhoods like Kenwood or Old Northeast it can seem easier to cross the street wherever it’s convenient instead of crossing in the crosswalk. Especially with the parking of larger cars on the street, it can be very difficult for oncoming cars to see children in time. Also, avoid walking between parked cars. Bottom line: Use the crosswalks. That’s what they’re for.
2. Make sure your child is seen by cars
If you are unable to go early before the sun goes down, make sure your child is seen by passing cars by adding a reflective tape to their costume, shoes, and/or candy bag. You can also have them carry or wear glow sticks, just ensure that the life of them is longer or as long as you plan on being out and about.
3. Do not leave your child unoccupied
Again, maybe a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Keeping them within your line of sight can ensure they are not exposed to anything not age-appropriate, that they are staying on the sidewalks/crosswalks, and ensure they are not eating any candy that may be dangerous.
Not sure what to do this Halloween? Listed below are some Halloween related events around St. Petersburg you might enjoy.
Halloween Block Party in Crescent Heights
Hauntoberfest 2017 @ Arkane Aleworks
Halloween Spooktacular 2017 @ Largo Central Park
5k Pumpkin Fun Run & Walk @ Freedom Lake Park
Really Live Literature Series: Frankenstein
Friends of Strays Haunted Hounds Costume Contest
Howl-O-Ween @Mastry’s Brewing Co
Trunk or Treat @ St Pete Beach Community Center
Euclid St Paul’s 14th Annual Haunted Hike