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.