The leaves are changing, and the temperature is getting cooler. As the fall season starts, our schedules get crazier. Kids are back in school, football games have caught our attention, you need to pick out your family’s Halloween costumes, and you need to prepare for Thanksgiving with the in-laws.
That’s why we’re providing you with these fall safety tips to help you and your family have a safe and fun-filled autumn. We’ll discover frequently asked questions surrounding this time of year, from staying safe on Halloween to knife safety on Thanksgiving.
Halloween Safety Tips
Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated days of the year. They can’t wait to dress up in their favorite costume, go door-to-door in their neighborhood, and collect a haul of delicious candy.
While it can be a fun and exciting experience, it’s important to keep your kids safe while they are out. Here are a few Halloween safety tips to help make sure your little ones have a spooktacular time!
1. Make sure they’re visible.
Choose costumes that are bright and reflective so drivers can see them easily. There are often more pedestrians on the roads, and it can be difficult for drivers to see trick-or-treaters dressed in dark costumes. If you’re trick-or-treating at night, consider adding some reflective tape to your children’s costumes or carrying flashlights.
2. Plan your route.
Map out a trick-or-treating route that sticks to well-lit, familiar areas. Make sure to avoid any shortcuts through dark alleys or wooded areas. This will help you to avoid any potential hazards. Also, younger kids should stick to shorter routes with fewer stops, while older kids can handle longer walks.
3. Trick-or-treat in groups.
Children in groups are more visible to motorists and less likely to wander off or become lost. In addition, groups can provide an extra measure of safety in case of emergencies.
4. Only go to homes with the porch light on.
This is a good indicator that the residents are welcoming trick-or-treaters. Some of these homes could be hiding dangers such as strangers or animals.
5. Inspect all treats before eating them.
When you get home, go through all of your child’s treats and throw away anything that’s open or looks like it might have been tampered with. This will help to ensure that no dangerous objects or contaminants have been put in the candy.
How Common is Drunk Driving on Halloween?
Although Halloween is typically thought to be for kids, adults enjoy their own festivities, many of which involve alcohol. Unfortunately, drunk driving often follows these celebrations.
How Many Drunk Driving Deaths Are There on Halloween Night?
Halloween drunk driving statistics from the Traffic Safety Marketing and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2018 and 2022, Halloween night saw 386 traffic fatalities.
Of these, 266 were vehicle occupants, and 52% (138) of those occupants were involved in drunk driving incidents. The age group most affected by these drunk driving fatalities was 21-34, accounting for 54% of the deaths.
How to Take Precautions on Halloween Night
To help prevent a fatal accident this Halloween, use these safety tips when planning your evening:
Pedestrians:
- Always walk on available sidewalks; otherwise, walk facing oncoming traffic as far to the side as possible.
- Use crosswalks and exercise caution at driveways and intersections.
- Make yourself as visible to drivers as you possibly can. Carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing.
- Plan beforehand how you will get home safely.
- Contact local police if you spot a drunk driver.
Drivers:
- Establish a designated driver if you choose to consume alcohol.
- Avoid distracted driving via texting, eating, or drinking.
- Be extra cautious of pedestrians.
- Slow down where sightlines are limited.
- Contact local police if you spot a drunk driver.
By following these simple autumn safety tips, you can help ensure a safe and fun Halloween for your little ones.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
The Dangers of Deep-Frying Your Turkey
Every year, millions of Americans deep fry their turkeys for Thanksgiving. While this cooking method can produce a juicy, delicious bird, it also has some inherent dangers. Here are the two main risks:
Burns
The first danger to consider when deep-frying a turkey is the risk of burning oneself. The oil used for deep-frying is incredibly hot and can easily cause severe burns.
To avoid this, it is essential to use caution when handling hot oil. Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin, and never leave the turkey unattended while cooking.
Grease Fires
Another danger to consider is the risk of starting a grease fire. When hot oil comes in contact with water, it can splatter and cause a fire.
To avoid this, thoroughly dry the turkey before placing it in the hot oil. Also, deep fry your turkey outside, away from any flammable materials. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand if a fire breaks out.
Tips for a Smooth Turkey Day
Here are a few Thanksgiving turkey frying safety tips to help you have the best dinner ever:
- Thaw and Dry Turkey Completely: Never put a frozen or partially thawed turkey in the deep fryer to avoid oil splashing and fires.
- Fry Away from the House: To prevent tipping, keep the fryer at least 10 feet from your home and ensure it’s on level ground.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Ensure they stay clear of the frying area to avoid injuries.
- Use the Right Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point like peanut or canola, and choose a heavy-bottomed pot that fits your turkey.
- Monitor the Turkey: Never leave the fryer unattended to avoid accidents or spills.
- Slowly Heat the Oil: Heat the oil slowly to 325°F to prevent it from breaking down and smoking.
- Watch the Temperature: Regularly check the oil temperature to prevent the fryer from overheating.
- Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready: Be prepared in case of an oil spill or fire.
Turkey Carving Safety Tips
Think of a big Thanksgiving family dinner. Kids run around, uncles scream at the football game, and drinks are passed around—it’s chaos! Now imagine trying to carve the turkey during this scene. Seems a bit dangerous, no?
Here are some Thanksgiving turkey safety tips to help you with this year’s carving:
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for safely cutting the turkey. A dull knife can cause you to use excessive force, increasing the risk of injury.
- Use an Electric Knife: If available, use an electric carving tool for easier, safer cutting.
- Keep Children Away: To avoid accidents with sharp tools, ensure children are not in the room during carving.
- Don’t Force Through Bone: Avoid forcing the knife through tough bones or joints. Instead, use kitchen shears for these areas.
- Carve Away from Yourself: Always cut away from your body and use a meat fork or other tool to stabilize the turkey.
- Keep Distractions Away: Focus completely on carving and remove distractions like pets or children from the area.
We at DM Injury Law hope you and your family have a safe fall season, a fun Halloween, and a blessed Thanksgiving. If you or a loved one happens to be injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation.