Halloween is a fun time of year! You have the opportunity to be something or someone you're not, and who can overlook those adorable children and dog costumes! But, you're not reading this post to hear about all the wonderful things surrounding Halloween, are you? Didn't think so.
What are your exposures during Halloween? For your kids, your home, yourself, your friends? What have you overlooked that if you take five minutes or less to prepare for can make October 31st and the days before more enjoyable?
So it's the weekend before Halloween when all the adults participate in their Halloween festivities (don't worry, suggestions for kids activities are coming next). What should you think about before you're dressed up in your costume at the bar or a friend's house?
-Regardless of if you're drinking water or whiskey water, don't set your drink down! This gives the opportunity for someone who may be looking to ruin your night to do so.
-A cute guy (or gal) comes up to you with a drink they purchased or made for you. Respectfully decline. Drinking anything that you didn't see made or poured directly from the can/bottle leaves you open to something that you don't want being mixed in.
-During this time, you'll also see a lot of "adult punches" that we're made by the host. My suggestion? Stay clear. Whatever you brought or bought is much safer than the sugary vat of alcohol sitting on the table.
-You're at the party, it's coming to the end, so how are you going to get home? Make sure you have a plan beforehand. Call a cab, have a DD in place, walk (if you're close enough), but DO NOT get in your car to drive if you've had anything more than a coke. The last thing you want is to ruin you're costume by having it stuck in the back of a police car.
-Say you've made your way to a bar crawl or are headed to your next destination, cross at crosswalks only and be sure you're alert to oncoming cars. You may have made good decisions in not driving, but not everyone is as smart and proactive as you.
-Don't drink TOO much. Need I expand? You're smart enough to figure out the consequences of this one.
-Lastly, stay with a group of friends. Ending up in an unfamiliar place with people you don't know is not the kind of "Halloween spook" you were looking for.
Okay, you've had your fun, and now it's time for the kids to get in their adorable costumes and collect some candy! (Of course it's not for you, although if you're lucky you'll sneak in a couple pieces after they're tucked in bed!) What should you think about?
-If you are going to be leaving the house so you can walk the neighborhood with your kids, make sure your alarm is set. You can leave candy on the front doorstep, but leaving a dark home on a night where teens are looking for trouble, can be more trouble than you're asking for.
-Stay with your kids. Obviously there is a time where they're going to want to go on their own with their friends, but there should be an adult not too far away just to keep an extra eye on the group.
-Because it's getting dark so early these days, be sure your kids have reflective tape or part of their costume is made with reflective material so cars can see them. The last thing you want is a close call when one of the kids is running to a house across the street to get the "KING SIZED CANDY BARS EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT".
-On that note, if you're driving on Halloween, be alert. Kids are running throughout the neighborhood, and it can be dangerous for you and them.
-I know some families like to stay traditional and use candles in their beautifully carved pumpkins, but I recommend considering the substitute flickering lights. These provide much less of a fire hazard and they actually appear pretty real!
-If you have a dog, be sure he is tied up. Regardless of how friendly or obedient your dog is, that 99th time the door bell rings or someone knocks on the door might just be enough for him. It's a scary time for dogs when they're seeing people in costumes and someone is constantly at the door. The last thing you want is to be part of the statistic that says dog bites account for over one third of homeowners liability claims.
-If you're in a colder climate, make sure the kiddos (and yourself) are wearing something that is warm enough. Growing up in Chicago, my costume always consisted of a winter jacket under some adorable pumpkin, or M&M costume.
-As always, be sure to check candy wrappers prior to letting kids dig in. If you've received a homemade treat it's probably best to file that in the trash no matter how cute it looks.
-Finally, make sure the kids don't eat too much candy. They've got plenty of time to eat it, challenge them to see how long they can make their stash last. A sugar induced stomachache is the worst!
Most of all, the goal is to have fun! I hope you've learned a little something from my tips. If you have any to share, please comment on this! Collaboration from prior experiences or other thoughts can only make this year that much more enjoyable!
Happy Halloween!
Information sourced from
Insurancejournal.com
Photo curtesy of
http://www.ymcastlouis.org/carondelet-park-rec-complex/events/halloween-hullabaloo-2
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