Roadside signs beckoning visitors with promises of “pumpkins, hayrides and corn mazes” are everywhere this time of year. Fall festival events at farms and orchards are a great way to spend time together as a family outdoors. Just make sure you stay aware to stay safe the next time you venture out.

Keep in Contact

Fall festival events can get crowded during the weekends, making it easy for group members to become separated. Bring fully charged phones to call or text each other, but don’t rely solely on technology. Cell service can be spotty in the country, and large crowds can overwhelm the cell network. Go offline and establish a meeting time and physical location for everyone to check in.

You should also review “stranger danger” information with kids and direct children to look for staff members for help if they are lost. Bring a pen and write your phone number on the child’s entry wristband, so workers can easily call you if needed.

Look Down

While there is a lot to grab your attention at a fall festival, make sure you keep your eyes on where you’re walking. Trips and falls are a common injury at crowded events.

Food vendors may have power cords and generator cables crisscrossing the ground. Other visitors may knock down festival decor, scattering small pumpkins, apples and potted plants across walkways. Watch your path and alert staff to tripping hazards so they can help clear the areas.

Hayrides

Many farms offer hayrides to the fields to pick pumpkins or – for a spookier option – through the woods for a haunted hayride attraction. Unfortunately, these hayrides are also responsible for tragic accidents resulting in visitors’ deaths.

Before you board a hayride, watch the wagon make a round trip if you can. If something seems “off” or unsafe about the vehicle, driver or route, do not board the hayride.

Make sure that the wagon has sturdy side panels and isn’t being overloaded with visitors. Once on board, seat children as low as possible within the wagon. Do not stand while the hayride is moving, and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.

Corn Mazes

Before you start the maze, look for safety rules posted outside. Ask staff how to contact them if you are lost – some venues have employees posted on raised platforms you can yell to or flags you can wave to indicate you need assistance. And do not let children go in alone – anyone under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Once in the maze, watch the ground for tripping hazards, such as felled cornstalks, discarded trash or tree roots. Do not smoke or use any open flames in the mazes. If you get lost and cannot contact staff, follow the nearest row of corn to exit toward the perimeter. Once outside, look for signs with arrows directing you toward the exit.

Sources:
Big Thunder Events
Brotherhood Mutual
Louisiana Church Insurance
Integrating Safety Into Agritourism