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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 28, 2015

Have fun, stay safe on Halloween

JBSA Fire Emergency Service Fire and Life Safety Educator

Halloween is supposed to be a fun, safe and happy holiday for you and your kids. By following a few simple safety tips, you'll look forward to many happy years of Halloween fun.

By establishing great memories for your kids, they'll be more likely to carry on the traditions that you have instilled in them for future generations to come.

This year, make sure you have an extra safe Halloween night with these trick-or-treat tips: 

• If buying a costume, make sure the label says “flame resistant.” Flame resistant means it will be difficult for the costume to catch fire. If it does, the fire will go out fast.

• If making a costume, use flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to a flame.

• Tell kids to stay away from candles and jack-o-lanterns that may be on steps and porches.  Their costumes could catch fire if they get too close.

• Kids should never carry candles when they are trick-or-treating. Always use a flashlight, flameless candle or a light stick.

• Tell kids to let you know right away if they see other kids playing with matches or lighters.

• Don’t use candles for decorations.  They’re dangerous, especially when left unattended.

• Use only decorative lights tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.  Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Throw away damaged sets and don't overload extension cords.

• Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at http://www.cpsc.gov for the latest on Halloween-related consumer product recalls.

• If you have a Halloween party, check for cigarettes under furniture cushions and in areas where people were smoking before you go to bed.

• Remove any materials around your home or property, such as garbage or excess vegetation, which an arsonist could use to start a fire.

To learn more about Halloween fire safety tips visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at http://www.nfpa.org/education or contact the fire prevention offices at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at 221-2727, JBSA-Lackland at 671-2921 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-6915.