Halloween safety – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

October 26, 2017November 13, 2017 Movers Who Blog Organizing, Our People, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® safety tips to ensure a fun and safe Halloween night

The month of October is coming to a close, and that means one thing – Halloween is near! Everyone’s favorite, spooky fall holiday is just around the corner, and all across the country people of all ages celebrate with fun costumes, delicious candy, and scary movies.

Much thought is spent each year on picking that perfect costume, deciding which haunted house you are going to, or where you are going to trick-or-treat, but one aspect that often gets overlooked is Halloween safety. With so many people out and about in the streets – often not paying attention due to all of the excitement – the risk for kids being involved in an accident increases substantially.

According to CouponChief.com, The likelihood of your child being struck by a car or killed in a car pedestrian collision quadruples on Halloween. Death and injuries by fire also jump from October 30 to November 1.

Other Halloween night stats from CouponChief include:

-23 percent of child-pedestrian accidents occurred from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 60 percent of child-pedestrian accidents occurred from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

-In over 70 percent of the accidents, the child was not crossing at an intersection or crosswalk.

-32 percent of all child fatalities occurred with children ages 12-15, followed by 23 percent of fatalities with children 5-8.

-Drivers aged 15-25 accounted for nearly one-third of all fatal accidents involving child pedestrians on Halloween.

These are pretty alarming statistics, and it’s important for people of all ages (and their parents!), take this into consideration as they prepare for Halloween night activities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of Halloween safety tips that can be used by people of all ages to help lower the chance of a serious injury, and ensure you have as much fun as possible!

Safe while on foot

-Be sure to look both ways when you’re crossing a street, and stay on high alert for cars that may not be paying attention.

-Put your electronics away while walking so you aren’t looking down at your phone and can see safety signs and other precautions in front of you.

-Be sure to adhere to all traffic regulations, including crosswalks and traffic signals at intersections. When crossing a road, if there are crosswalks nearby, be sure to utilize those.

Be alert while trick-or-treating

-Children under the age of 12 should have adult supervision while out trick-or-treating.

-Encourage people to stick together in groups so it’s easier to account for everyone involved.

-Trick-or-treat in areas of familiarity to decrease the risk of getting lost.

Halloween near trick-or-treaters

-Be sure to drive slowly and stay on high alert when driving through congested areas of town. Pay special attention to crosswalks or areas of the streets people tend to cross. Sometimes costumes can be hard to see at night.

-Absolutely no texting and driving under any circumstance.

-Take a little extra time and care as you make turns, go through intersections, or pull into driveways in residential areas.

We hope these Halloween safety tips reminded you of the hazards that come with Halloween night, and that you’re able to enjoy America’s spookiest holiday safe and sound!

If you haven’t decided on what costume you or your kids are going to wear next week, check out our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Halloween “Boxtume” ideas that include instructions on how to make a unicorn, tractor, and fish mask costume.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services, follow our blog and like us on Facebook.

October 16, 2017February 14, 2018 Movers Who Blog DIY Projects, Holiday Fun, Moving with kids, Our People, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Halloween “Boxtume” ideas Part 3: Fish Mask

Projects by Anna Stephens and Cathryn Armstrong

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we look forward to celebrating Halloween every year. It’s a chance for us to use our moving boxes as blank canvases for beautiful and unique costumes, or as we call them, “boxtumes.” This is the third and final blog in our Halloween “boxtume” blog series. In case you missed our first featured “boxtumes”, click here and here.

Fish Mask

Are you going for an “under the sea” look this Halloween? This simple and sweet fish mask is sure to give your costume that finishing touch you need. Simple and easy to wear for older kids or parents! Watch our short video to see all of our steps or read our steps below.

Step 1: Cut out our fish mask graphic on cardstock paper. This is available to download, here.

Step 2: Cut out a stencil to use for every fish scale. Trace this stencil onto your four sheets of glitter paper and cut out scales equally from each paper.

Step 3: Glue on scales using a hot glue gun. Start from the bottom and overlap them as you move up.

Step 4: Trim the ends of the scales so you can see the shape of the original printed mask. This includes the holes in the eyes.

Step 5: Cut out two rectangles from white glitter paper, then cut out one from blue glitter paper. Fold them in an accordion fashion so they have creases.

Step 6: Using a hot glue gun, secure the white pieces of paper on the sides of the mask. Then, glue the blue piece of paper to the top of the mask. Next, glue on two identical strips of ribbon on both sides of the mask.

Step 7: Allow glue to dry and secure the mask by tying the two pieces of ribbon together on the back of your head.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® wishes you a fun and safe Halloween! Did we inspire you to make this boxtume? We want to see! Show us the final product and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

October 9, 2017October 23, 2017 Movers Who Blog DIY Projects, Home Decor, Moving with kids, Organizing, Our People, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Halloween “Boxtume” ideas Part 2: Tractor

Projects by Anna Stephens and Cathryn Armstrong

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we look forward to celebrating Halloween every year, as it provides a chance for us to use our moving boxes as blank canvases for beautiful and unique costumes, or as we call them, “boxtumes.” This is the second of three blogs in our Halloween “boxtume” blogs. In case you missed our first featured “boxtume”, click here. Stay tuned for our third and final post, a fish mask.

Tractor “Boxtume”

Is your child fascinated with all kinds of trucks, planes, and tractors? Make their dreams a reality by giving one them of their very own! Watch our tutorial video or follow these seven easy steps below to make it yourself.

Step 1: Tape top and bottom of box shut. Trace a rectangular hole with a pencil on the top and bottom of the box and cut out the hole with a box cutter. Adjust for body size accordingly. Paint the body with green spray paint and let dry.

Step 2: Trace out two large paper plates onto a piece of cardboard. Trace out two small paper plates onto a piece of cardboard, and cut out the four circles using a box cutter. Spray these circles with black spray paint.

Step 3: Cut a paper cup so it’s only about two inches tall and cut slits around the edge. Spray paint it silver using spray paint.

Step 4: Cut out a triangle with rounded edges on orange paper. Glue this onto the back of the tractor. Cut out yellow circles for the wheels. Glue them onto the center of the wheels.

Step 5: Cut out black strips of paper for the front grill. Cut out a yellow strip to line the entire box. Glue these on the box. Glue the lights on the front of the box and fill with yellow paper. Spray paint a toilet paper roll black and glue onto the top of the box.

Step 6: Glue or tape on the wheels on to the box. Then create small slits on the top of the top and in the back for the straps. Feed the strap through the holes and tie a knot underneath.

Step 7: Throw on some overalls and step into your new tractor!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® wishes you a fun and safe Halloween! Did we inspire you to make this boxtume? We want to see! Show us the final product and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

October 2, 2017October 16, 2017 Movers Who Blog DIY Projects, Holiday Fun, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Halloween “Boxtume” ideas Part 1: Unicorn

-Project by Anna Stephens and Cathryn Armstrong

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we look forward to celebrating Halloween each year. It’s a chance for us to use our moving boxes as blank canvases for beautiful and unique costumes, or as we call them, “boxtumes.” This is the first of three blogs in our Halloween “boxtume” series, stay tuned for a few other fun options!

Unicorn “Boxtume”

Are you looking for a cute Halloween costume that will be sure to stand out, but doesn’t cost a fortune? We used a small TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® box – $15 of craft materials – and a little magic to create this dazzling costume.

Watch our video to see every step or follow along in eight easy steps below!

Step 1: Tape tops and bottoms of box shut. Draw a circular hole with a pencil on the top and bottom of the box and cut out the hole with a box cutter. Adjust for body size accordingly. Paint the body with pink spray paint and let dry.

Step 2: Print out the stencil of the unicorn head. This comes in three pages and is available to download. This is the link for the neck and eyes, and this is the link for the head. Print these at home, use scissors to make cuts where cutting is indicated by the dashed lines, and tape the pieces together. Trace the fully taped head onto an extra piece of cardboard with a pencil and cut out using a box cutter.

Step 3: Spray paint the head and body pink. Spray paint the horn with glitter silver. Be sure to cover the edge of the horn with tape so you have a clean line.

Step 4: Cut streamers for the tail and mane. For the mane, ours varied from about three inches to six inches long. The strands for the tail were about 18 inches long. Secure the tail and mane strands with a glue stick.

Step 5: Cut out eyes from the stencil provided, color it in, and glue onto the head using a glue stick. Use loops of duct tape to secure the stars on the body.

Step 6: Cut out a slit about eight inches long that runs from the top of the box to the front face using the box cutter. Slide the head into this slit and secure with tape in the inside of the box.

Step 7: Cut four small slits on the top of the box for the straps using a box cutter. Feed the ribbon through the top of the slit and create a knot underneath to fasten the ribbon. Complete this for all of the four slits and adjust ribbon length for size of shoulders.

Step 8: Step into your unicorn and steal the spotlight!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® wishes you a fun and safe Halloween! Did we inspire you to make this boxtume? We want to see! Show us the final product and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

October 19, 2015October 19, 2015 Movers Who Blog Holiday Fun

Keep safety in mind as your little ghouls trick-or-treat

Posted by Jessy Howe

Most kids would agree that Halloween is one of the best holidays of the year! You get to dress up as anyone you want for the night, stay out late, and go trick-or-treating for loads of free candy! But as parents know, accidents can and do happen. With increased foot and vehicle traffic to kids excitedly running ahead of you, we are sharing our top tips to prepare the whole family for a fun, safe Halloween.

For more tips and inspiration to prepare for the best Halloween yet, follow us on Pinterest!

October 27, 2014October 27, 2014 Movers Who Blog Holiday Fun

Trick-or-treating safety and etiquette tips

Written by Arika Ford

Though trick-or-treating can be a fun family outing, parents have a lot to contend with. From the increased foot and vehicle traffic, to kids running ahead of you, parents may need some help making it through what can be a long two hours of craziness outside in the d-d-d-dark. We’ve gathered a few age-appropriate tips on etiquette and safety to make this the most non-scary Halloween (for parents) yet!

Ages infant through age 4 obviously need additional supervision when trick-or-treating. To make them bright and noticeable in the dark of night, include glow sticks or reflectors on their costumes. This doesn’t have to ruin the costumes. With a little creativity, the reflectors could actually contribute to the costume and add a unique twist. If you live in rural areas, you can look into other types of social gatherings for kids like trunk-or-treats and parties at local businesses or churches. But let’s face it, neighbors love to see the little ones dressed up and festive. Plus the kids are very excited to get outside and collect their coveted chocolate treasures.

Ages 5 through 9 are still the perfect age for trick-or-treating but safety can be an issue, especially with excited kids who may want to run ahead of you. Repeatedly remind your children of sidewalk and street crossing safety beginning the week before Halloween so it becomes automatic in the child’s mind. Constant reminders on looking both ways before crossing the street cannot hurt and is better to remind too much than not enough. Again, going overboard with glow sticks and reflectors isn’t a bad idea. One fun idea is to use glow in the dark make up instead of the regular Halloween kind. You also may want to travel with your trick-or-treaters. Remind them to mind their manners as some neighbors only like to see the little ones, however if older children are very polite, it will remain an enjoyable experience for all.

Ages 10 through 15 are tricky! Some kids are smaller in stature and can totally get away with dressing up and trick-or-treating with no problem. Still others look a lot older than their actual age. My opinion is as long as they are in an actual costume, are aware of their surroundings, and are being kind and courteous, it is fine for them to trick-or-treat. Assign them to groups and be sure they have a watch or are able to use their phones to check in and keep track of time. They are still kids and you can’t blame them for still wanting candy! To keep them in line, make sure they know the rules and understand the consequences of not following them.

Food allergies Kids and parents should always be on the lookout for the teal pumpkins in the neighborhood. This is a project the Food Allergy Research and Education Organization (FARE) is implementing to bring awareness to the growing issue of food allergies, and to urge citizens to provide a candy alternative. Houses with a teal pumpkin are offering non-food treats, such as toys, to help each child feel included this Halloween.

Kids of all ages love Halloween treats and parents (be honest) love to sneak the candy when their kids aren’t looking. So have fun, be safe, and let some of the fear come out of Halloween this year.

Click here for more Halloween safety tips.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

October 28, 2013 Movers Who Blog Holiday Fun

Halloween safety tips

Halloween week is finally here! Now that you have the perfect Halloween costume it’s time to make sure your family has a safe and happy Halloween night. We gathered some valuable safety tips with the help of Mayo Clinic and safekids.org. By following these tips you and your family will have a Halloween to remember.

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, obeying traffic signals and using crosswalks.

• Look left, right, and left again when crossing and stay aware as you cross.

• Put electronic devices away and keep your head up as you walk across the street. Do not run.

• 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.

Trick or Treating

• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.

• Stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

• Encourage older kids to trick-or-treat with a group of friends, parents, or older siblings.

• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, establish a route and set a curfew.

• Teach your kids to approach only clearly lit homes and advise them to never go inside a home.

• You may want to give your child a cell phone for the evening should he or she need to contact you.

Keep Costumes both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, use light colors.

• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive with Extra Caution on Halloween

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Candy Galore

• Inspect treats carefully and don’t let your child snack while he or she is trick-or-treating. Discard anything that isn’t sealed, has torn packaging, or looks questionable.

• Ration the loot. Instead of letting kids eat all the candy at once, dole out a few pieces at a time.