Safety EDUCATION
Halloween Fire Safety
In this country more than 100 people die each year
as a result of their clothes catching on fire. Decorations for
special events and holidays, usually involving candles, result in an
average of 800 home fires each year. These fires cause nearly
$4,000,000 in property damage each year.
That is why although Halloween should be a
time of fun and celebration, children need to be closely supervised
and their costumes should be chosen with fire safety in mind. The
Madison Fire Department suggests you follow these safety tips to
have a fire safe Halloween this year:
COSTUMES Buy only
costumes labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant. If making a
costume, plan it carefully to make sure it won't easily catch on
fire if it comes into contact with flames or heat. Don't use fabrics
that are highly flammable and avoid designs that feature billowing
or long trailing features, these have a higher chance of
accidentally catching on fire.
If trick-or-treating at night is planned, costumes
should be of bright colors to improve their visibility.
PARTY DECORATIONS When
planning your Halloween decorations, remember that dried cornstalks
are highly combustible. Keep decorations well away from heat sources
such as light bulbs and heaters. Don't use candles in your
decorations! Jack-O-Lanterns can be safely illuminated with
flashlights instead of candles or oil lamps. When putting up your
scary Halloween decorations, don't block or hide exits.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS Tell
children to stay away from open flames and other heat sources and be
sure that they know the Stop, Drop and Roll method in case
their costumes catch on fire in spite of all precautions. Remind
children attending Halloween parties at other people's homes to
locate the exits and plan how they would get out in case of a fire.
Finally, provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for
lighting or as part of their costumes instead of candles or oil
lamps. | 
