Halloween Safety – Studio 10

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the fall season marks not just a change in weather but also a time of festivities. Halloween is fast approaching and homeowners expecting trick-or-treaters should be aware of a few important safety issues. David Greene of Greene & Phillips Personal Injury Lawyers recently talked with Joe Emer on Studio 10’s Legal Matters to discuss key considerations for making this Halloween a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

1. Remove Decorations and Debris from Yard

Remove from your porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and unnecessary lawn decorations. Also check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.  Sweep or blow leaves and debris from sidewalks and driveways. Finally, make sure to restrain all pets so that they do not inadvertently bite or jump on trick-or-treaters.

2. Clearly Mark any Cords and Other Tripping Hazards

Check your sidewall for uneven areas that could be tripping hazards. Examine your yard and porch for power cords for lights or decorations.  If you can’t remove them, make them highly visible, even in the dark. Be mindful that children won’t necessarily follow designated paths. The last thing anyone wants is for a child to be hurt.

3. Obey Pedestrian Laws

As your out trick-or-treating, make sure everyone in the group is careful to follow all pedestrian laws. Walking in the street at dusk or dark can be very dangerous when cars are around.

4. Carry a Flashlight

Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a fully charged cell phone for good communication. Only approach houses that are well lit, and never enter a stranger’s home. If older children plan to go trick-or-treating alone, review a route that is acceptable to you and agree on a specific time for them to return. And then once you are home, inspect all candy and treat before you consume them. Throw away anything that is unwrapped or spoiled, and don’t eat anything that is homemade from someone you don’t know.

If Something Goes Wrong

Despite all precautions, when something goes awry, don’t hesitate to reach out to Greene & Phillips for help.

Finding out if we can help couldn’t be simple:

1. Call or fill out the contact form to see if you have a case
2. Schedule a short consultation with one of our lawyers
3. Focus on recovery, we’ll handle all the paperwork, legal wrangling, and negotiations on your behalf.