Halloween Fire Safety

In Case of Fire

If you experience a fire, do not use water. Call 911 immediately. Never attempt to use water to extinguish a grease fire. While awaiting the fire department’s arrival, an all-purpose fire extinguisher can be used, but only if you have one ready and know how to use it. 

Halloween Fire Safety

The National Fire Protection Association reports that Halloween is the fifth highest day of the year for candle fires, trailing only Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Fires caused by ignited decorations resulted in an average of 1,610 house fires a year in the United States in 2000-2004.

Here are a few tips:

* Make homemade costumes or purchase only flame-resistant or flame-retardant costumes.

* Use flashlights or battery operated lights when illuminating jack o’ lanterns.

* If you choose candles, keep the pumpkin away from anything that can burn. This is especially critical if your area is experiencing drought conditions. Lawns and shrubbery can be extremely dry and a fire can start in an instant. Keep decorations such as dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper away from heat sources.

* Illuminate walkways with flashlights instead of candles or torch lights.

* Provide your child with a lightweight flashlight for trick or treating.