5 Halloween Safety Tips to Avoid Legal Liabilities

Halloween is a fun time to spend with family and friends, dressing up, eating candy, and having parties. But did you know that if you are not careful, you could end up becoming responsible for a liability? Luckily, with some preparation and presence of mind, you can avoid sudden legal repercussions for unintentional accidents that could arise. Below are a few Halloween safety tips and ways you can make sure everyone stays safe this October 31!

1. Avoid Fire Hazards

Candles are popular on Halloween, but they are also quite dangerous. Adults and children alike who dress-up are often wearing highly flammable costumes with various loose, flowy elements that can easily catch fire. Additionally, candles can get knocked over accidentally and light up any nearby greenery, drapes, tablecloths, wooden furniture, or other flammable surfaces. A safer alternative would be to use electric candles.

2. Carefully Navigate the Roads

A disproportionate number of pedestrians are out and about on Halloween, and many of them are not necessarily paying attention to traffic. An important way to practice Halloween safety is to drive slowly and be on the lookout for any trick-or-treaters who may dart out into the street at any time. In the same vein, if you are out trick-or-treating, make sure to be extra-aware of cars, and review sidewalk and street safety rules with your kids. Hold the hands of young children who may run off in excitement and forget to be safe. Wearing bright colors can also help cars notice you and your brood.

3. Keep Pets in Check

Animals may behave more aggressively on Halloween due to all the excitement, costumes, bell ringing, and visitors. If your pet does bite or otherwise injure someone, you could be held responsible for damages. Try and keep your pet in a back room or somewhere else in your home where the noise is lessened and they can remain calm. Alternatively, you can leash your pet during busy trick-or-treating hours.

4. Make Sure Your Lawn is Clear of Hazards

When trick-or-treaters come to your door, you don’t want to give them a reason to trip and fall. Clear your walkway and outdoor stairs from any decorations or other tripping hazards. Children especially will be wearing loose, possibly ill-fitting costumes and even vision-obscuring masks, so you can’t assume something is visible enough not to be tripped over. As the parent of a trick-or-treater, make sure your child’s costume fits appropriately so it won’t trip him or her up, and try to keep all masks off while walking so your child can see clearly.

5. Be Responsible About Alcohol

It’s fun to drink at Halloween parties, but if you are hosting a party, make sure not to serve any alcohol to minors. Additionally, never get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. Drunk driving is illegal and can get you into trouble.

Halloween Safety is Crucial

If you keep in mind all areas of safety this Halloween, you’ll be able to enjoy a fun time without worrying about liabilities, injuries, and avoidable damages. If you do experience an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. The expert attorneys at Goldberg and Chase can help you recover damages entitled to you by the law.