With October just around the corner and families starting to prepare for Halloween, the Personal Injury lawyers at Brady/Donahue want to ensure that your family has a fun and safe Halloween this year with some of the following tips.

Decorations bring risks…

• Pumpkin carving can be a fun activity, but it can also be dangerous. Make sure to keep a close eye on children and knives to avoid any personal injuries or accidents.

• Whether you’re placing candles around your house or in a pumpkin, an open flame can be dangerous. You can avoid the risk of an open flame by swapping out real candles for battery-operated ones.

• With Vermont foliage often at its peak around Halloween, make sure to keep both the walkway up to your house and your yard clear and well-lit for trick-or-treaters.

• With allergies and the risk of illegal tampering, homemade treats can be suspect. When preparing for trick-or-treaters make sure to only hand out store-bought treats.

Costumes deserve a bit of caution…

• Make sure that costumes are flame resistant and properly fit your children.

• If wearing a mask, ensure your child’s vision is not obstructed.

• Props, such as swords or wands, can result in accidents. Check that your child’s props are not too long or too sharp to prevent accidents and personal injuries.

When Pre-teens and Teenagers Prefer to Trick or Treat on their own…

• Make sure to have a specific route in place and a curfew for when they should return home.

• Know who your children are in a group with and keep parental contact information for if needed.

• Ensure your child has a cell phone with them to reach you in case of an emergency.

• Check your children’s Halloween candy for any choking hazards, spoiled items, or illegal tampering.

Driving during Vermont’s Halloween festivities…

• Keep an eye out for children, especially when driving. 

• Vermont roads can change quickly from rural to residential areas so watch carefully when entering a town or village.

• Drive slower and stay alert.

• Trick-or-treaters will usually be out when it is getting dark, so make sure to keep your headlights turned on to increase visibility of all pedestrians.

• As children are full of excitement, they may be unpredictable. Avoid all distracted driving to reduce the risk of a car accident.

If you or a loved one faces a personal injury or car accident this Halloween, the Vermont Personal Injury lawyers at Brady/Donahue are here to help. 

To schedule a free initial consultation, please call us today at 802-855-2001 or fill out our quick contact form.