Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is almost here.  Make sure it’s an evening of treats, not tricks, with these Halloween safety tips from CAL FIRE and the National  Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

According to the NFPA, Halloween decorations are the cause of over 900 home fires each year.  Two of every five of these fires were started by a candle.  Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper easily catch fire.  Keep decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. And keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Use battery operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o-lanterns.  If using real candles, light jack-o-lanterns using long fireplace matches or an utility lighter.  Be sure to place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn and out of the way of trick-or-treaters.  Tell children to stay away from open flames.

Be sure children know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. Have them practice stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling until the flames are out.

Here are some other Halloween safety tips from CAL FIRE:

• Purchase costumes made of flame retardant materials.
• Keep hemlines short enough so children don’t trip.
• To be seen costumes should be made of a light color material.
• Use glow in the dark reflective tape on costumes so children can be seen.
• Don’t carry real candles.
• Don’t allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that can cause injury to themselves or others.
• Use make-up rather than masks that can block vision.