Halloween is easily defined by the scary costumes, the gleeful trick or treaters and all the good-natured scares.  Of course, safety might be the last thing on your mind.  However, as of recently, Halloween is actually considered one of the “deadliest” nights of the year to many law-firms and insurance companies. 

Halloween candy, as much as any food item, is a choking hazard, but according to a new study published in Pediatrics, around 15% of cases involving child choking victims are caused by hard candies. Also, be aware of sticky candies like carmel. If passing out Halloween candy, take caution in giving little children small candies. 

Always check to see if the candy bars have been tampered with, according to Safety Tips For Checking Halloween Candy, you can tell if the candy had been tampered with by an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, tears in wrappers. Candy can last anywhere from two weeks to a year, and you can tell if it’s spoiled by a change in color or if it’s turned moldy. Be aware of things not commercially wrapped. If you ever have a suspicion anything has been tampered with or is a threat, play it safe and throw it out. 

Even if you yourself are not participating in trick or treat, you too need to be aware of trick or treaters. Major injuries caused on Halloween are caused by car accidents, and are most typically teenagers. 

According to Halloween Deadliest Day, young drivers, ages 15 to 25,  accounted for nearly one third of fatal accidents involving children. With a dramatic spike in child pedestrian accidents on Halloween. 

When driving on trick or treat night, be extra aware of your surroundings and drive safely. Don’t drive under the influence.  Drivers need to be aware, to protect themselves and others. 

If you are in fact going trick or treating, either with a younger sibling or for yourself, you too also need to be aware. Do things like crossing at crosswalks, having something reflective on, carrying a flashlight, or you can even wear glow sticks, anything to make drivers aware of your presence. And this might be juvenile, but look both ways before crossing and make sure the drivers acknowledge you.

If you are going out,  it’s best to know how to protect yourself even from things like small injuries. According to this article, How To Trick-or-Treat Safely This Halloween, (you can check out here) try on the costume beforehand to make sure it’s not a tripping hazard or loose enough to get caught on anything. Be aware of costume masks, due to prevention of sight. Test any make-up beforehand, to see if there’s any irritation.

Sophomore  Victoria Barrientos said, “Bring your phone, don’t go alone, bring a taser or some kind of weapon.” 

Even though it is strongly advised by the CDC  that people do not participate due to the current pandemic, there are ways to keep yourself and the ones around you more safe. Wear a mask, (even if you are vaccinated), limit group size and people you come into contact with like avoiding large gatherings, and always practice good hygiene. 

Trick or Treat for Westerville City is Thursday, Oct. 28 from 6 – 8 p.m.