Halloween Fire Safety
According to a recent report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Halloween is the fifth highest day of the year for candle fires, falling in behind Christmas and New Year's.
In order to make Halloween safe and fun for everyone follow these Halloween Safety Tips:
Halloween Safety Tips:
- Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resisitant or flame-retardent. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features.
- Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
- Use flashlights when illuminating Jack-O-Lanterns. Use extreme caution when decorating with candle lit Jack-O-Lanterns and supervise children at all times when candles are in use. When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or barbecue style lighters and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn including doorsteps, walkways and yards.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.
- Use flashights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for thick-or-treaters, whose cosutmes may brush against the them and ignite the costume.
- Instruct children to stay clear of open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to Stop, Drop and Roll in the event their clothing catches fire.
- Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency. Always be preparred.
- Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting as part of their costume.