Trick or treat is a Halloween tradition, beloved by adults and children alike. While trick or treating in Ohio is an exciting family activity, it also has some clear and not so apparent dangers that parents should be on the lookout for. For instance, did you know that on average, 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?
When it comes to the safety of your and your neighbors’ children this Halloween, here is all the trick or treat info and some safety tips to keep in mind.
How to Stay Safe During Trick or Treat
- Select the Right Costume: Make sure your child’s costume fits properly. They should be able to move around comfortably and any hems should be well above the ground to prevent tripping. Also, if their costume is dark, add reflective accessories like tape or stickers to the costume or their candy bag, so they can be easily seen by motorists.
- Organize a Group: Your child should never go trick or treating on their own, even if they are a bit older. Try to organize a trick or treating group with multiple kids and adults.
- Choose the Right Neighborhood: Rather than taking your child trick or treating on a main street, choose an area with plenty of lights and Halloween decor. Sticking to side streets also reduces the chances of a Halloween car accident involving your child.
- Slow Down and be Alert!: Children are excited and hopped up on sugar on Halloween. They may dart into the street or forget to look both ways. Remind them to cross at corners or crosswalks. Also, drivers should turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
- Carry a Flashlight: When it comes to trick or treating, you can never have enough light. Bring a flashlight or glowsticks with you as it can prevent your group from splitting up and reduce the risk of injuries. Make sure you can see everyone and everyone else can see you.
- Check Out the Candy: Child injuries from candy tampering is extremely rare, but before your child dives in and starts inhaling their candy, take the time to go through it and toss any treats that look like they’re homemade or have been opened.
- Avoid Masks if Possible: While masks can look spooky and add to your child’s costume, they can hinder your child’s vision and breathing. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use non-toxic face paint to create a mask instead.
- Skip Poorly Maintained Properties: Every neighborhood has a few houses that are not properly cared for. Look for broken sidewalks, unstable stairs, and poorly lit walkways. There are plenty of houses after all, so there’s no harm in skipping one that looks unsafe.
Trick or Treat Times in Major Ohio Cities
Trick or Treat in Akron: Saturday, October 26, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
(Cleveland.com)
Trick or Treat in Cleveland: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(Cleveland.com)
Trick or Treat in Columbus: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(abc6onyourside.com)
Trick or Treat in Beachwood: Thursday, October 31, 6:00-8:00 pm
(Cleveland.com)
Trick or Treat in Canton: Sunday, October 27, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
(cantonohio.gov)
Trick or Treat in Cincinnati: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(cincinnati-oh.gov)
Trick or Treat in Dayton: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(WDTN)
Trick or Treat in Independence: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(Cleveland.com)
Trick or Treat in Toledo: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(toledo.oh.gov)
Trick or Treat in Youngstown: Thursday, October 31, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
(Cleveland.com)
Trick or Treat in Westlake: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
(Cleveland.com)
Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick
If you or your child gets hurt during trick or treating or another Halloween event because someone was reckless, contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We can help you figure out whether another party’s negligence played a role in the injuries and may be able to recover compensation on your behalf.
Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW today for a free, no-risk case evaluation.
