THIS year, Halloween and Diwali both fall on October 31, followed by Bandi Chhor Divas on November 1, promising vibrant celebrations. While festivities like these are exciting times to gather with loved ones, they can often be loud and pose potential risks to hearing health, notes Fraser Health.
Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your hearing:
- Use hearing protection: Teenagers and adults can use basic earplugs, which can be easily found at any local store. For children, earmuffs that fit properly offer better protection than earplugs, which can pose a choking risk.
- Maintain a safe distance: Stay at least 500 feet away from fireworks or loudspeakers to avoid hearing damage.
- Monitor noise levels: Fireworks and loudspeakers at gatherings and parties can often exceed safe noise limits for adults and children—and prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss.
- Recognize warning signs: If you notice ringing in your ears or feel discomfort, leave the area immediately. These are signs that your body needs a break from the noise.
When it comes to fireworks, always follow your community’s bylaws and obtain the necessary permits. For Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas observers, you can also enjoy a safe and spectacular experience by attending fireworks shows organized by your place of worship, if available.
Here are some other top tips to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening:
- Stay alert: Limit your driving during peak trick-or-treating hours (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) on Halloween night. If you plan to attend gatherings or a place of worship, walk or carpool if possible. If you must drive, go slow, stay alert, and watch for children who may be in the street unexpectedly.
- Follow pedestrian rules: When walking, always cross the street at intersections and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Be visible: Keep an eye on your children. Make sure they are wearing visible costumes and have a flashlight or glow sticks. Add reflective tape or glow sticks to ensure they’re visible to drivers. Teach children to stay in groups and only visit well-lit houses.
- Prevent fire hazards: If diyas/divas or pumpkins are part of your outdoor display, consider using candles or diyas/divas with a USB rechargeable battery. For battery-powered or LED candles or diyas/divas, make sure the battery compartment door has a screw. This precaution helps prevent children from removing the battery and prevents it from falling out accidentally.
- Do not drink and drive: To get home safely, arrange for a ride with a designated driver, take transit, use a ridesharing app, or call a taxi.
If you do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating or won’t be home, consider turning off your street-facing lights. This helps trick-or-treaters know which houses are not participating.