Make this Halloween a Safe Holiday

The week of Halloween can be a dangerous one for fires. Data from the U.S. Fire Administration shows during the two year period of 2011-2013 there were 10,300 fires during the there-day period around Halloween. These fires cause about 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million in property loss.

As a reminder, here are a few basic safety tips to consider around the Halloween holiday:

• Choose a costume without long trailing fabric. This can cause a child to trip or may touch flames in jack-o’-lanterns or other decorations.
• If you make your own costume, use materials that won’t catch on fire easily if they come in contact with heat or flame.
• Give your children flashlights or glow sticks so they can see where they are walking.
• Keep decorations away from candles, light bulbs or heaters.
• Consider using flameless candles or glow sticks in your jack-o’-lantern.
• Keep exits clear of decorations.

 For further information, connect with: www.usfa.fema.gov.