October 27—It’s almost time for Halloween! Make sure your holiday is trick-free with safety tips from Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America. Whether you and your family are heading to a party, going trick-or-treating or even staying in for a scary movie marathon, we have a few tips that can help keep you safe and prevent burns and injuries.
De-Stress your Decorations:
- Instead of candles, use battery-operated lights or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns.
- Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Only allow adults to use sharp instruments when carving pumpkins.
- Do not leave candles unattended for long periods of time. Always blow them out before leaving the room or house.
Compact Clothing:
- Look for snug-fitting, flame-resistant costumes instead of flowing material that can also cause falls.
- Choose face paint over masks to avoid impaired vision.
Fireproof Frights:
- Choose decorations that won’t easily catch fire and keep them away from heat sources.
- Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Do not leave candles unattended for long periods of time. Always blow them out before leaving the room or house.
- Never overload electrical outlets with powered decorations.
- Don’t connect more than three strands of decorative lights together.
- Don’t use any electric decorations that show signs of frayed cords, bare wires or other wear.
Light the Lane:
- Walk in well-lit areas and provide children with flashlights and reflective material as part of their costumes.
Check the Candy:
- Inspect trick-or-treat bags for open or tampered items and any potential food allergies.
Accidents can happen quickly, so here are some additional Handy Hints to ensure you have a spooky-safe Halloween:
- Ensure all smoke alarms are working.
- Know the outdoor burning regulations in your area and do not participate in the illegal burning of leaves or other debris.
- Make sure your children know fire safety rules and to call 911 in an emergency situation.
At BRCA, we always encourage patients to seek medical attention when an injury occurs, but we know the best care plan is prevention. With these safety tips, we hope you and your loved ones can have a spooky and safe Halloween.
For more information about BRCA’s services, physicians and locations, please visit www.burncenters.com or call (855) 863-9595.
