Keeping Your Family Safe During Halloween from Fire Risks

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Halloween is a fun time of year, but without precautions, it can lead to house fires. The Harrisonburg, Virginia website offers some great tips and suggestions to keep holidays safe and fun.

If you experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties at 540-433-6100 for 24/7 emergency service.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT COSTUMES:

• Purchase costumes made of flame-resistant or retardant material (Check the label). Fire-resistant does not mean fireproof
• Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping
• Avoid loose and baggy sleeves. Stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric.
• Use make-up instead of masks which can obstruct vision.
• Use glow in the dark reflective tape on your costume.

TIPS FOR DECORATING:

• Never use candles to light jack-o’-lanterns, use battery-powered lights.
• Instruct children to stay away from open flames.
• Be extremely careful with cornstalks and other harvest season items. Keep them away from sources of heat.
• Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes

TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN NIGHT:

• Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult.
• If driving, be sure to watch for trick-or-treaters who are too busy to watch for you.
• Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting and visibility.
• Do not allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that could cause injury to others.
• Keep your yard free of tripping hazards, such as garden tools, hoses, etc.
• Closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it. Discard any unwrapped treats from a stranger. If in doubt, throw it out.