State Fire Marshal Offers Halloween Safety Tips
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It's time to release the ghouls and goblins onto the streets in search of treats. The state fire marshal has offered fire safety tips for celebrating Halloween.
Costumes
* Children should carry a flashlight and their costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them.
* Be sure all parts of the costume are labeled flame retardant.
* Costumes should not have trailing material or tails long enough to cause falls.
* Pointed objects such as swords and devils’ forks should be made of soft material.
* If your child wears a mask instead of make-up on their face, double check that the eye holes are large enough to see through clearly.
* Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes.
Decorations
* Use a small flashlight or battery-operated candle in pumpkins instead of an open-flame candle.
* Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from all flames and heat sources.
* Only use flame-proof crepe paper.
Checking Treats and Welcoming Trick-or-Treaters
* Make sure your own home is well-lit and that there is a clear path to your door. Bicycles and lawn furniture can trip youngsters in the dark.
* Throw out anything that appears tampered with, home-made foods or home-packaged foods unless you are certain of the source.
* Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that may not be age appropriate. Young children may choke on things like hard candy or peanuts.
Discuss Safety Rules with Trick-or-Treaters
* Smaller children should always be with an adult. It’s best to take little ones out early. If older children are going out without you, go over the ground rules first!
* Know what neighborhoods they will be in.
* Don’t allow them in areas with which you are not completely comfortable.
* Have the children stay in a group.
* Let them know what time to be home.
* Give them a cell phone to use if necessary.
* Use sidewalks.
* Cross only at the corners, never dart out between parked cars.
* Cover one side of the street at a time, no criss-crossing.
* Never go inside someone’s home unless it is a friend’s.
* Never accept a ride in a car.
* Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome.
* Bring their bags home to be checked by an adult before eating a single treat.
For more information on Halloween Safety, contact your local fire department or look at the Department of Fire Services website at www.mass.gov/dfs, click on Halloween Safety, or call the Public Fire Safety Education Hotline at 1-877-9-NO-FIRE.
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