Halloween safety tips to avoid fires

As ghosts, goblins and witches prepare to hit the streets in search of fun and treats, the National Fire Protection Association is urging caution in order for children and adults to be safe this Halloween.

A c cording to a recent report from N F P A , Halloween is the fifth highest day of the year for candle fires.

T o make Halloween safe, NFPA recommends the following:

•Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flameresistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in 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 and heaters.

•Use flashlights when illuminating jack-o'-lanterns. Use extreme caution when decorating with candlelit jacko'lanterns, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jacko'lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn, including doorsteps, walkways and yards.

•Keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.

•Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and

yards. They are much safer for trickortreaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.

•Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire. Stop immediately, drop to the ground while cover

ing face with hands, and roll to extin guish flames.

• I n struct chil dren who are attend ing parties at other homes

to lo

cate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.

•Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting.

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/halloween.