
Halloween is just around the corner! This time of year, it's so much fun to carve pumpkins, make costumes, and of course, go trick-or-treating. Don't let the magic of Halloween be overshadowed by an accident or injury. Our real estate agents have some important tips to help keep everyone in your family safe and well this Halloween season.
- Put Reflector Strips on Costumes
Add a few strips of reflective tape to your child's costume. You really only need four: one along the back and front of each leg. This will ensure drivers can see your child as they're walking down the sidewalk. If you're trick-or-treating in an area that's not well-lit, consider attaching clip-on lights to everyone, too.
- Put Phones Away
Unfortunately, there are a lot of distracted drivers on Halloween. And even a responsible driver, understandably, might hit you if you accidentally step out into traffic. Minimize the risk of such accidents by keeping your phone in your pocket while you're trick-or-treating. Make sure your kids do the same. The social media updates and shared photos can wait till you get home.
- Stick to Familiar Areas
It can be tempting to explore a new neighborhood as you trick-or-treat, but it's safer to stay in neighborhoods you know well. You and your kids will be more familiar with the traffic flow. You're less likely to get lost or confused, and you'll see more people you know along the way.
- Make Sure Costumes Fit
Costumes don't need to fit perfectly, but they should not be so big or long that they drag on the ground and present a tripping hazard. You also don't want the sleeves so long that your child will struggle to hold onto their candy bucket or turn a door handle. So, when possible, have your kids try on their costumes before you buy them.
- Drive Slowly and Carefully
You can also keep others safe by doing your part and driving extra carefully on Halloween. Slow down, especially in residential neighborhoods. Turn the music off or down so you can focus. Don't look at your phone while driving, and make sure your kids know they need to be quiet so you can focus behind the wheel.
If you're wearing a costume, make sure it's one that you can drive comfortably and safely in. You may want to drive in normal clothing and change into your costume at the destination.
- Stay With Younger Kids and Designate a Meeting Space
Teenagers can often go trick-or-treating alone. But you should always accompany younger kids. Also, agree on a meetup place. This should be a familiar place that's easy to reach. If anyone does get separated from the group, they can go to the meeting place and meet back up with you there.
With the safety tips above, you can have a happy and safe Halloween. If you're still looking for Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, don't hesitate to contact us. We can guide you through the process of looking for a home for sale and making an offer.