BARTOW - (October 27, 2009) – Don’t let your Halloween become an evening of horror; practice fire safety in every aspect of preparation from choosing your costume to decorating to trick-or-treating.
According to the report “Home Structure Fires That Began with Decorations” from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations were the first item ignited in an estimated average of 1,000 home structure fires per year from 2002-2005.
“It is important to take the time in advance to plan fire safe and appropriate costumes, decorations and routes,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Chief David Cash. “The choices you make ahead of time are the first line of defense in preventing a tragedy. Be sure your children know how to stop, drop and roll if their costume were to catch fire. Have them practice this with you.”
The NFPA offers the following safety tips to keep in mind when preparing for a ghoulish Halloween:
• Buy only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
• Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.
• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candles in a jack-o-lantern.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they 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 hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
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