Halloween Safety Tips From the Members of Po-Mar-Lin

With Halloween just around the corner, children will soon be out in costume trekking through festive displays in search of candy. However, more than ghosts could be lurking among-st the mid-fall fun, as Halloween costumes and decorations present a number of hidden fire hazards. Fortunately, by following some simple safety precautions from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you can ensure a day of safe fun for your family and trick-or-treaters.

NFPA's most recent statistics show that decorations were the first item to be ignited in an average of 860 reported home structure fires per year from 2009-2013, causing an estimated average of one civilian death, 41 civilian injuries and $13.4 million in direct property damage. Nearly half of all decoration fires in homes are the result of decorations being too close to a heat source. Thirty-eight percent were started by candles and one-sixth began in the living room, family room or den.

Improve the safety of your Halloween by following these tips from NFPA:

Costumes: When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long-trailing fabric. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame.

Visibility: Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he/she can see clearly out of it.

Flammable decorations: 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.

Candles/jack-o-lanterns: It is safest to use a glow stick or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. If you choose to use candle decorations, make sure to keep them well attended at all times. Do not leave them near flammable objects or where trick-or-treaters may walk. Remind your children to avoid open flames. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit.

Exits: Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

Please be safe and have a great time during this Halloween season.