Staying fire-safety smart can help keep the fun in trick-or-treating

  • Published
  • By 325 th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The pumpkin-scented candle fills the house with the scent of the upcoming holidays. The paper luminaries lead trick-or-treaters to the front doors of homes where occupants fill children's bags with sweets. On the porch lit from within by a simple candle, the jack-o'-lantern's eerie face glows menacingly.

Combining these open flames with flammable costumes is one guaranteed way for Halloween to become a real-life nightmare.

Planning ahead can help make this a fire safe Halloween. Taking simple precautions can help prevent fires.

 Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
 When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame.
 Avoid long trains and billowing costumes.
 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 extreme caution when decorating with candles and supervise children at all times when candles are lit.
 When lighting candles inside jack-o'-lanterns, use long, fireplace style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from all combustible items. Pumpkins can also be illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights.
 Use light-weight 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-up 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.
 Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
 Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.

As always, Tyndall Fire & Emergency Services urges you to take an active part in fire prevention both at work and at home; talk with your family about your escape plan and the dangers of fire and smoke and most importantly PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Fire escape plan grids are available from Tyndall's Fire Prevention Office upon request. Please call 283-2909 for additional information, fire plan assistance with your or family fire prevention education needs.