You’re excited for Halloween and you have your costume ready to go. Just don’t forget to watch out for things that go bump in the night! Jordan offers some tips on how to stay safe during Halloween, whether you’re trick or treating, hanging out with friends, or going to a party. Check out the video below and get ready for a fun, danger-free holiday.
Trick or treating
Don’t eat candy that’s already been opened or looks sketchy
You’ve been trick or treating for years now, so you’ve probably heard this about a thousand times. But still: don’t eat candy if it’s already been opened. You never know why it’s been opened—it may have been tampered with. There are plenty of other Milk Duds in the world; don’t eat the ones from the broken box.
Check for dangerous things in your candy
There are tons of videos online from parents checking candy and finding needles, razors, and other dangerous things. “Not in my neighborhood,” you may think—but you really do never know. Give your candy a quick inspection before you dig in just to be sure.
Look both ways when crossing the street in the dark
You’d think drivers would be extra careful on Halloween because it’s getting dark so early and there are a ton of kids running around. You’d think that—but you’d be wrong. Be careful when you cross the street because drivers may not be paying attention.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Make sure someone knows where you are and use the buddy system. Sure, you’re not a little kid anymore, but it’s still good to have someone know where you are and whether you’re safe.
Get home at a reasonable hour
Again, you’re not a little kid anymore, but you don’t want to be out trick or treating when there’s no one else around. A good rule of thumb: if there aren’t that many people on the streets anymore, it’s probably time for you to head home too.
Halloween parties
Don’t leave your drink unattended
If you’re at a Halloween party and you lose track of your drink, do not drink from it again once you locate it. Dump it out and get a new drink. Even if the drink is non-alcoholic, do not drink from it. (A friendly reminder that the legal drinking age is 21, so make good choices!)
Look out for your friends
The buddy system is key, especially on big party nights and weekends like Halloween. Stay close to your friends and make sure they’re being safe too. Don’t let your friends leave a party alone and don’t leave anyone behind.
Don’t be ashamed to leave if you feel uncomfortable
Once more for the people in the back: Do not be ashamed to leave the party if you feel uncomfortable. If you’re in a situation you think will not go well, take a second and think to yourself, “Where do I want to be in life (goal wise), and will this help me achieve my goal or will this potentially hinder me?” (Good advice from Jordan’s dad!)
Have a safe ride home
Even if you’re over 21, you should never get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence (and don’t let your friends drive either). Make sure you have a designated driver, call a cab, or use a rideshare service if you need one.
Watch out for kiddies on the street
If you are driving, drive slowly and cautiously. There are a lot of kids wearing dark costumes on and around Halloween, so keep your eyes peeled for small children crossing the street. Not that you would anyway, but definitely don’t text or take Instagram/Snapchat videos while you’re driving either. Keep your attention on the road.
Stay in contact with friends and family
Make sure someone knows where you are at all times. And again, don’t split up with your friends. Make sure everyone gets home safely.
Please stay safe whether you’re trick or treating or heading out on the town. And have a Happy Halloween!