Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween Safety Tips from New York Personal Injury Law Firm, Martin, Harding & Mazzotti

Leading Law Firm offers Halloween Safety Tips for Children

Niskayuna, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2009 -- Personal injury law firm Martin, Harding & Mazzotti has compiled a list of safety tips to help ensure a safe and happy Halloween for local Capital Region children.

These tips will help children, and adults, stay safe on Halloween.

 
  • Fire Retardance - Federal laws require all commercially-made costumes be manufactured with a fire retardant. If your child's costume is homemade, make note of the fabric's flammability. Your homemade costume should also be easily escapable if there is an emergency. Velcro and zippers with internal and external pull tabs work best.
  • Ventilation - Make sure the mask you purchase or design allows for sufficient air flow. A child may be unaware he is not receiving enough oxygen until he is stricken by carbon dioxide poisoning. Commercial masks are usually ventilated from all sides, not just a few holes in the front. If you create your own, make sure there are plenty of air vents. There are numerous ways to disguise those holes with a little creativity!
  • Vision and Mobility - Some masks or costumes limit visibility or mobility for a child. Make sure your child is comfortable in their costume and that they can clearly see with their peripheral vision. A costume should also not restrict arm and leg movements.
  • Be Seen - Reflective clothing and glow sticks dramatically raise awareness of trick-or- treaters with passing motorists. If your child's costume is on the darker side, apply reflective tape or insist they carry a snap light/glow stick.
  • Buddy System - Whether your child is going out with a friend or with the family, the buddy system helps to keep everyone aware of their location and antics at all times. Plan out your child's route before nightfall so you and their buddy are well aware of their surroundings.
  • Don't Stray from Your Comfort Zone - While there are little to no reports of a child being injured from a stranger's candy, it's always a good idea to inspect each child's Halloween bounty. Trash any unwrapped items, candy with torn or punctured packaging or any homemade treats made by someone with whom you are not familiar. Stick to houses of friends and friendly neighbors and stay away from houses that are not well-lit.

Martin, Harding & Mazzotti wishes the Capital Region a safe and very happy Halloween.

About Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP
Founded in 1994, Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is a personal injury law firm with offices in Upstate New York and new offices in Utica and Manchester, Vermont. The firm has attorneys licensed in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Michigan, District of Columbia and California. The firm sponsors and supports extensive community outreach programs promoting personal safety and will continue to do so in the future. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is honored to have been voted "Best Law Firm" in the 2008 Times Union Readers' Poll. For more information, visit 1800LAW1010.com.

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