3 Tips for Celebrating Halloween Safely During a Pandemic

Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday that evokes joy for many, both children and adults alike. This year, Halloween celebrations may differ due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent effects on communities small and large.

However you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, putting safety and health first is a recipe for a successful celebration. Create Halloween magic this year with loved ones and friends by following these three safety tips:

Walk Defensively

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. If you and your family decide to be outside on Halloween, whether trick-or-treating or simply admiring Halloween decorations, ensure you are taking all precautions necessary to protect yourselves.

Walking defensively is all about identifying situations that may carry higher risk of injury and taking the necessary steps to control and mitigate these situations. Consider wearing reflective clothing or adding lights to costumes to help stand out to drivers. Carrying glow sticks or flashlights is another great way to improve visibility at night.

Always use crosswalks and follow signals, even if there are no cars. Be vigilant and put electronic devices down; defensive walking requires full attention. When possible, pick a route that doesn’t require walking behind cars.

Drive Slow & Sober

If you will be spending time in a car this Halloween, always obey posted speed limits and traffic signs. Drive slow in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where there is low visibility. Consider driving 5 mph below the posted speed limit to allot extra time to react to any unforeseen circumstances.

Only consider getting behind the wheel of a car if you are sober and alert. “When a drunk person gets into a vehicle and drives, it endangers everyone on the road,” notes the West Virginia accident lawyers at Manchin Injury Law Group, “the result can be a devastating accident that kills or injures another driver, motorcyclist, pedestrian or bicyclist.” Drowsy driving is also dangerous for everyone on the road by slowing reaction times and increasing the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel.

If you have been drinking or are exhibiting signs of drowsy driving, opt for a ridesharing service or ask a sober friend for a ride home. Never drive drunk, distracted, or drowsy.

Mind Your Costume

Costumes are a critical component of celebrating Halloween, but a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face covering. Ensure costumes are comfortable for children and opt for a mask that is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends wearing a mask with two or more layers that covers your nose and mouth. Masks should be worn by people two years and older.

Costumes can also complicate car seats and booster seats. Follow guidelines for proper restraints to ensure your child is as safe as possible, as costumes with shoulder pads and hard surfaces can limit the effectiveness of the restraints. Consider changing your child into a costume one you have arrived safely at your location to ensure restraints are fastened properly.

Celebrating Halloween During a Pandemic

Celebrating Halloween during the global COVID-19 pandemic will be different from years prior, but it doesn’t mean it won’t be any less fun! By putting the health and safety of yourself, your family, and your community first, you can help celebrate Halloween in a way that benefits everyone. Using these three safety tips, you can enjoy your spooky season without any real scares!