Around the 31st of October, the world changes for kids. Grown-ups change too. The excitement of the season might affect the common sense of trick-or-treaters of all ages. Cogburn’s Heating and Air Conditioning wants every Halloween to be happy and safe for everybody. These Cogburn common sense safety tips are going to help you and your children get the most out our Halloween season.

Strange Homes
Don’t even ring the doorbell at strange homes unless an adult is with you. Never step inside either. Mom and dad want to keep you in sight the entire time that you’re out trick-or-treating, and you want to be in their sight too.
Crossing Streets
Don’t let your emotions take control of the streets. Cross safely. You know how to do that. Don’t cross in the middle of the street or from between parked cars. Cross only at crosswalks, and if you have a little brother or sister with you, be sure to take their hand when crossing.
Bright Clothing
For your own safety, you want to be seen during the day or night. The natural response of motorists to bright Halloween clothing is to slow down. If you’re going to use a mask, make sure that it doesn’t obstruct your vision. You can make adjustments on the mask itself without detracting from its effect.
Create a Map
There are reasons for plans and reasons for sticking to them. Create a map of a safe trick-or-treating route, and then leave a copy at home. Airplanes file flight plans and boats file float plans, and Cogburn’s Heating and Air Conditioning knows where their people are all the time. File your trick-or-treat map with expected departure and arrival times with someone at your house. For your own safety and the peace of mind of those who love you, follow that plan.
If It’s Dark
Darkness makes bright costumes more important. Dark costumes at dusk or dark only create an increased risk of being hit by a vehicle. Bring a flashlight or two so people see you if it’s getting dark or if it’s dark outside.
For drivers
If you’re driving at or around trick-or-treating hours, please don’t talk on a cell phone or text or participate in any other forms of distracted driving. More accidents are caused by distracted driving than drunk driving. Don’t just pay attention to what’s in front of you, but watch the sides of the road too. That’s where the trick-or-treaters are going to come from.
For Drinkers
It’s not unusual for friends and neighbors to have adult trick-or-treat goodies for the moms and dads too. That might be ok if you’re walking and close to home, but otherwise, you’d be taking a world of risk. Play it safe for both you, your children and everybody else. Cogburn’s Heating and Air Conditioning wants everybody home safe and happy.

Remember that Thanksgiving and the holidays begin just weeks after Halloween. Use your best judgment, and be safe, happy and healthy.