3 Steps to a Safe Halloween

Halloween opens the fall and winter holiday season with fun, excitement, and, of course, scares, but it’s not without its dangers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) receives reports of injuries every Halloween for costume, decoration, and lighting-related accidents; however, these injuries are preventable..In order to help everyone have a fun and safe Halloween, the CPSC has put together a three-step safety checklist that, if followed, will help prevent burn injuries and fires, make sure trick-or-treating kids can see and be seen, and make sure kids are costumed safely.

Decorations

• Jack-o’-lanterns and candles should be kept away from doorsteps and landings where costumes may come in contact with the flame;
• Remove obstacles that may pose tripping and/or falling hazards to trick-or-treaters;
• Keep indoor candles and jack-o’-lanterns away from decorations and other flammable items and never leave burning candles unattended;
• Only use properly safety tested decorative light strands; and
• Do not overload extension cords.

Costumes

• Purchase costumes and accessories made from flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon, or that are labeled “Flame Resistant;”
• Make or purchase costumes that are light-colored, bright, and highly visible to drivers;
• Trim or decorate costumes and bags/sacks with reflective tape;
• Have kids carry flashlights; and
• Make sure costumes must be well-fitted and do not drag in order to prevent falls. Also, all accessories must be secured and made of safe material (soft, flexible).

Treats

• Children should wait to eat treats until after they have been examined by an adult; and
• Parents should examine toys or any other novelty items before allowing young children to play with them. If it is small enough to fit into the child’s mouth, it presents a choking hazard.

Halloween is one of the most looked forward to holidays of the year and everyone has a responsibility to ensure that the night can be celebrated safely. If you or your child suffers an injury in Maryland as the result of another’s negligence this holiday season, contact the experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” to learn more about getting maximum compensation for your losses. Call (877) 228-4878 today for a consultation.