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Halloween is just a little over two weeks away. As you decorate your yard and fill your candy bowls in preparation, it’s a good idea to take a few moments to check your property for safety hazards.

Trick-or-treaters donned in masks and flowing costumes are focused on one thing only—the treats they are about to receive. These children are easily distracted by spooky decorations, the antics of their friends, and the general excitement of the holiday. They aren’t watching for hidden hazards like sticks, stones, uneven pavements, loose pets or open flames from candles and torches. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure your property is clear of any obvious hazards that could lead to slip and falls or other injuries. For a convenient safety checklist of what to look for, read “How to Prepare Your House for Trick-or-Treaters.”

Most people like to think of home as their safe haven, yet each year millions of Americans suffer from injuries caused by common, everyday items found in their homes. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that last year approximately 14 million people in the U.S. were treated for injuries caused by household objects; some 9,000 of those injuries proved fatal. This risk is compounded if the items in question are defective or not used as intended.

The list of household items most likely to cause injury ranges from the obvious (ladders and cutlery) to the more obscure (ceilings and tables). To see the list of the top 20 most dangerous items in the home and who is most at risk from each, read “11 dangerous everyday things in your home that cause the most injuries.”

Articles Tagged with burns

Time To Give Your Property A Pre-Halloween Safety Check

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