Halloween safety tips for homeowners
With Halloween just around the corner, many homes will be carving pumpkins, welcoming trick or treaters and throwing parties.
It’s a good idea for homeowners to practice safety in all their holiday activities.
An internet search found many government departments and associations offer holiday advice on their websites.
For decorating:
National Fire Protection Association: Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep decorations away from open flames and heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. If using a real candle, make sure children are watched at all times. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Place lit pumpkins out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards. Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure smoke alarms are working.
For pumpkin carving:
American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Carve in a clean, dry, well-lit area. Wash and thoroughly dry carving tools, cutting surfaces and hands. Moisture can cause slipping that can lead to injuries. Never let children do the carving but have them draw a pattern on the pumpkin and be responsible for cleaning out the inside pulp and seeds. Adults should use a pumpkin carving kit, which includes small, serrated saws less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin tissue. If injured, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on its own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required.
For trick or treat:
Pennsylvania Insurance Dept.: Leave outside lights on all night to deter vandalism. Make sure walks and pathways are clear of debris and decorations. Repair walkways, railings and steps leading to the home. If a pumpkin gets smashed,clean up all the slippery goo. Move cars, bikes, planters, sprinklers and other items into a locked garage or inside the house to deter theft or vandalism. Watch pets. If it is not used to visitors, keep them away from the front door.
For throwing parties:
Foodsafety.gov: Reduce the number of bacteria that might be present on raw fruits and vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. As an added precaution, use a produce brush to remove surface dirt. Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. To stay safe, always serve pasteurized products at parties. “Scare” bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled until serving time, including finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frosting. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for more than two hours.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Prevent guests from walking alone or driving after drinking by serving plenty of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and less alcohol; collecting car keys from guests who are drinking; designate sober drivers and walking buddies; and stop serving alcohol an hour before the party ends. Be prepared to call taxis, provide sleeping accommodations or drive guests home. Remember liability laws may hold hosts responsible for parties where underage people drink, regardless of who furnishes the alcohol, and hosts could be held legally responsible for guests’ behavior after they leave the party.
Halloween is a fun time. Use common sense to make it a safe holiday as well.