Along with the tricks and treats of Halloween come some very real hazards parents and children should be aware of when celebrating this October. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released tips for preventing Halloween-related accidents and injuries. Parents are urged to follow these tips when selecting costumes and preparing children for Halloween activities.
Costume Tips
- Buy costumes that are labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Costumes made with these materials will resist burning and extinguish flames quickly. This can help prevent burn injuries in the event a costume comes into contact with a candle flame.
- If your child’s costume requires a prop such as a knife or a sword, buy one made of soft material. This will reduce the risk of injury should your child fall on the prop.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes with your costume, as they are not suitable for walking long distances.
- Masks should fit securely so they do not obstruct the vision of the wearer.
- Fit your children’s costumes with reflective tape to make your kids more visible to motorists.
- Avoid buying costumes that drag on the ground, as they can cause kids to trip and fall while walking.
Halloween Decorations
- Do not put a lit jack o’lantern or candle near doorsteps or landings. If someone walks by in a costume, the costume could come into contact with the flame.
- If you expect trick-or-treaters, remove any obstacles from your lawn and porch. This will reduce the risk of accidents.
- Check decorative lights for broken sockets, bare wires, cracked sockets, and loose connections.
- Avoid overloading your extension cords.
When you take these precautions, you reduce the risk of accidents on your property. Unfortunately, other property owners are not as conscientious. If your child suffers an injury during Halloween festivities, you have the right to seek compensation for the associated medical expenses and other costs. The experienced Northern California personal injury attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates can help. Call us at (877) 862-6288 to discuss your case.
