Connecticut Consumer Protection Offers Halloween Safety Tips: About 3,600 Halloween Injuries Treated Each Year
Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection issued Halloween safety tips on October 20, reminding families about risks in costumes, yard decorations, food and online shopping. Citing U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates, the department said an average of 3,600 Halloween-related injuries are treated in hospitals every year, including trips, allergic reactions to costumes, and pumpkin carving accidents.
Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said potential risks run from the costumes families buy to the way yards are decorated. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, more drivers are expected on the road during trick-or-treating; children should stay on sidewalks, stick with their group and remain in an adult's eyesight, while drivers should stay attentive in neighborhoods and use public transportation, a ride share or a designated driver if they drink.
For costumes, the department advises choosing a comfortable, well-fitting costume, doing a walkaround at home to check for anything that hangs or blocks vision, looking for flame-resistant materials such as polyester or nylon, testing costume makeup on the arm at least a week in advance, and adding reflective tape to dark costumes and treat bags. Battery-operated candles are recommended for pumpkins, decorative lights should be checked for damage before use, and pumpkin carving should be left to adults using carving kits.
On food, carved pumpkin left at room temperature for more than two hours should not be eaten, perishable party foods should stay chilled until serving, and parents should inspect candy for allergens and signs of tampering before children eat it. The department also warns that last-minute online costume and decoration shopping is a target for scam websites promoted through social media ads, and advises using trusted retailers or shopping in person.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 万圣节复古明信片插图：两个孩子抬着一盏大南瓜灯（资料图）。作者不详，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Vintage Halloween postcard illustration (file photo). Author unknown, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
