Latest Blogs

Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween for their guests, themselves and especially their children. Using safety tips and some common sense can help you make the most of your Halloween season, keeping it as enjoyable for your children as it is for you. There are a lot of simple ways to help keep your child safe on Halloween, when accidents and injuries are more likely to occur.

SAFE COSTUMES - KidsHealth.org recommendations:

• Choose a light-colored costume because these are easily seen at night. Add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark tape to the front and back of the costume and to the trick-or-treat bag.
• Only buy a costume that is labeled "flame-retardant."
• Make sure wigs and beards do not cover your children's eyes, noses, or mouths.
• Children should not wear masks.  They can make it difficult for them to see and breathe. Instead, use nontoxic face paint or makeup.
• Avoid colored or decorative contact lenses, unless they have been prescribed by an eye doctor for your child.
• Avoid over sized and high-heeled shoes or costumes that are too long that could cause children to trip.
• Make sure that any props your children carry, such as wands or swords, are short and flexible.
• Give children flashlights with new batteries. Children may also enjoy wearing glow sticks.

SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING

Halloween 2014 is Friday, October 31.  Sunset time for this date in our area is 6:44 p.m.  It becomes dark quickly. AAA (American Automobile Association) reports that there are more vehicle accidents at dusk than any other time of day. Trick-or-treating often starts at dusk. The suggestions in this blog should be followed so the trick-or-treaters can be seen, and Halloween can be fun for everyone. 

• If children are under 12 years old, they should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Twelve and over, children should be reminded that if they are without an adult, they need to stay in well lit, populated areas.  Carrying a cell phone and staying in groups will also make for a safer Halloween.
• Set a time for children to return home, and let them know to stick to curfew times.

SAFE WALKING

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children are four times more likely to be in fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on any other night of the year. SafeKids.org recommends the following: 

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, do not run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

SAFE TREATS - FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) recommends that:

• Children should not snack while they are out trick-or-treating.  Urge your children to wait until they get home, and you have had a chance to inspect the contents of their “goody bags.” 
• To help prevent children from snacking, give them a light meal or snack before they head out. Do not send them out on an empty stomach.
• Tell children not to accept, and especially not to eat, anything that is not commercially wrapped.
• Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
• Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.  Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

SAFE DRIVING - National Safety Council

All motorists need to be especially alert and cautious when driving on Halloween because of the high number of pedestrians walking the streets. 

• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Never use your cell phone while driving.
• Discourage teens from driving on Halloween. There are too many hazards and distractions for inexperienced drivers.

SAFE HOMES

As October is Crime Prevention Month and time to Celebrate Safe Communities (CSC), the Lee County Sheriff's Office recommends that homeowners prepare for "ghosts and goblins" by:

• Removing objects from the yard that might prove hazardous to visitors.
• Being mindful of the placement of candlelit jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards.
• Welcoming trick-or-treaters by turning on exterior lights.
• Reporting any suspicious or criminal activity to your local law enforcement agency.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office has posted on its Facebook page its Halloween Safety Tips video.  You may access it here:  CCSO Video .

"Following these 2014 Halloween Safety Tips will insure that this is an exciting time for children, not a dangerous time. We, at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. wish everyone a happy, safe Halloween," says Attorney Randall Spivey.

Florida Child Injuries Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.