Early fall is a beautiful and exciting time as the weather cools off, the leaves change their colors, and the holiday festivities begin. Venturing out to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard to pick out the perfect jack-o-lantern or basket of sweet, crisp apples is a popular activity, with some locations adding in family-friendly entertainment such as bouncy houses, petting zoos, and pony rides. This time of year can be great fun for kids and adults alike–but it also inevitably sees many accidental injuries each year.
Keep yourself and your kids safe with the following tips.
Choose the Right Pumpkin Patch
Look for a pumpkin patch with age-appropriate activities or allow your children to participate only in safe activities they can handle. For example, a two-year-old is probably too small to play in a bouncy castle with a crowd of other children. Go during the day or make sure the area is well-lit, and ensure your children walk (not run) around the pumpkin patch, which may have bumpy or uneven ground and tripping hazards such as corn stalks lying on the ground.
Dress Appropriately
In October, the weather can go from sunny and pleasant to cool and rainy quickly. Check the forecast before setting out and bring along warm layers to add if necessary. Long sleeves, pants, rain boots, and a warm vest or raincoat are all good ideas. Don’t forget the hat or sunscreen–you are vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays even when it’s cloudy, and so are your children.
Discuss Parking Lot and Crowd Safety
Many pumpkin patches attract large crowds, especially near Halloween. Talk to your children about parking lot safety before you arrive, making sure they know to stay beside you and avoid crossing streets or walking across parking lots until it’s safe. Similarly, your children should know to stay with you at all times and not to run off through a crowd or accept any treats from strangers when you are not present.
Bring the Right Supplies
Your outing will be much more enjoyable for everyone if you take the time to pack a few essentials. Snacks and bottled water are important to prevent dehydration, low blood sugar, and the irritability that can stem from either problem. If you’d like to enjoy the treats provided at the pumpkin farm, bring plenty of cash–food trucks and stands don’t always accept plastic. Hand sanitizer is essential after petting animals. You may also need to bring a knife to cut pumpkins free of the vine, but don’t allow young children to carry or use it.
Know What to Do If an Injury Occurs
If you or your child become seriously injured because of the negligence of an employee or property owner, we may be able to help you collect damages. Contact Corradino & Papa to discuss your situation. We’ll fight for you and the full compensation you deserve. Hopefully, you won’t need our services this fall, but if you do, we’re here for you. Contact us as soon as possible after the incident for best results.