While Halloween is one of the most festive and celebrated holidays of the year, accidents and injuries regularly occur for many reasons. Some of the common culprits include accidental fires, pedestrian visibility, and dangerous costumes. Thankfully the majority of these incidents can be avoided, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The agency outlined a few of the main offenders for producing Halloween injuries and a safety checklist for preventing them in a recent release. Let’s take a look at the key points.
Fire ranked among the largest causes of dangerous accidents. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Halloween is one of the worst days every year for accidental fires. To minimize fire risks, use battery operated devices in lieu of candles, lanterns, or pumpkins. Also, only choose costumes made of flame resistant materials, and be careful when constructing your own as they will not be subject to the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA), which mandates costumes offered at stores to be certified flame retardant. If you do make your own costume, fabrics like nylon and polyester have natural fire resistant qualities.
In addition to staying clear of open flames, the CPSC advises trick or treaters to make sure they’re visible while walking and to keep an eye out for others. This can be achieved by using flashlights, battery operated illuminated devices, and reflective portions of costumes. The agency also said to pay attention to costume sizes, as poorly fitting wardrobes can cause falls, as well as obstruct vision and airways. If you’ve been injured during an accident that took place on Halloween that you think was the result of another party’s neglect, contact the personal injury attorneys in Oklahoma City with the Maples Law Firm at 1(888)226-6159. Call for a free case review.
