pnbsppdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 9ptPlanning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant can prevent fires. spandivdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 9ptDuring the four-year-period of 2003-2007 NFPA estimates that decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 1240 reported home structure fires per year. These fires caused an estimated average ofnbspseven civilian deaths 53 civilian injuries and 20 million in direct property damage per year.spandivdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptbspan stylefont-size 10ptFlame Resistant Costumesspanbspan stylefont-size 10pt When purchasing a costume masks beards and wigs look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items wont catch fire it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.spandivdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptbspan stylefont-size 10ptCostume Designsspanbspan stylefont-size 10pt Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.spandivul typedisc li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptFor greater visibility during dusk and darkness decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a cars headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware bicycle and sporting goods stores. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptTo easily see and be seen children should also carry flashlights. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptCostumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptChildren should wear well-fitting sturdy shoes . Mother s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptHats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over childrens eyes. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptApply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used however make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptSwords knives and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material. spanliuldiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptbspan stylefont-size 10ptPedestrian Safetyspanbspan stylefont-size 10pt Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older responsible child. All children should WALK not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars or across lawns and yards where ornaments furniture or clotheslines present dangers.spandivdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptbspan stylefont-size 10ptChoosing Safe Housesspanbspan stylefont-size 10pt Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.spandivul typedisc li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptChildren should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult. spanli li styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptPeople expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from curtains decorations and other furnishings that could be ignited. spanliuldiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 10ptAs always use caution when placing candles in or around displays or jack-o-lanterns.nbspFor additional Halloween information visitspandivdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 9pta hrefhttpwww.nfpa.orgassetsfilespdfpublic20educationhalloweensafetytips.pdfspan stylecolor bluehttpwww.nfpa.orgassetsfilespdfpublic20educationhalloweensafetytips.pdfspanaspandivdiv styleline-height normal margin 0in 0in 10ptspan stylefont-size 9pta hrefhttpwww.cdc.govfamilyhalloweenspan stylecolor bluehttpwww.cdc.govfamilyhalloweenspanaspandiv
