WASHINGTON — Halloween safety involves more than keeping excited youngsters out of traffic. Tripping hazards, candles and even fireworks can also be problematic.
“Over (my) almost 40 years in the Fire EMS service here in the National Capitol region during Halloween there’s been unfortunately some really bad significant incidents,” says Richard Bowers, chief of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
House fires can be caused by Halloween candles. “Candles that were left unattended in pumpkins or even next to a pumpkin,” Bowers says.
Bowers prefers battery operated lighting, but says if you insist on having live open flames pay special attention and keep your distance. “Stay away. Stay away,” he says.
Ideally, you shouldn’t have to worry about visitors tripping on your front porch or over decorations.
“A great way, if you will, to welcome trick-or-treaters is to meet them in your driveway or on your sidewalk,” he says.
If that’s not an option, make sure to create a clear path to the candy.
“Just spread your arms and stand on your porch and that gives you an adequate space for one or two people to be able to enter or to exit,” Bowers recommends.
A source of potential problems that might surprise you, given the holiday, is fireworks.
“Fireworks too, on Halloween, cause some fires and injuries.”
