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Fortunately, by following some simple safety precautions from the Norwalk Fire Department you can ensure a day of safe fun for your family and trick-or-treaters.
Recent data shows that nationally there are 10,300 fires during the three-day period around Halloween. These fires cause about 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million in property loss. Here are some tips to ensure a safe Halloween:
- When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long, trailing fabric. These may cause a child to trip or touch flames in jack-o’-lanterns or other decorations. 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 clearly see out of them.
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume, so they can see there are walking. Add something reflective to your child’s costume, so they are visible to drivers when trick or treating.
- 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.
- Consider using flameless candles or glowsticks to light your jack-o'-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. 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.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
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