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Halloween safety

The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.

The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.

Halloween is nearing and most children are thinking of pumpkins, costumes, and treats. Halloween is a fun time, and as a parent I look forward to it. However, we all must understand that Halloween poses the danger of ignition of children's costumes. While this is a rare event, the risk is there if fire safety is not followed. Children need to be closely supervised, and their costumes made or purchased with fire safety in mind. Years ago, I can remember going trick-o-treating, and not even taking the time to think about safety. I also remember seeing another child brush up against a candle that was lighting a walkway. The child's trailing costume caught on fire! Likely, it was a cape and they took it off. Purchase costumes, wigs, and props labelled as flame resistant or retardant. When creating a costume, plan carefully to ensure that it won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Costumes should be made without billowing or long trailing features that present a higher risk of ignition. Bear in mind that dried flowers, cornstalks, and leafs in those pretty orange pumpkin garbage bags are highly flammable. Keep crepe paper and other decorations well away from all heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc. Decorating with candles should be avoided! Pumpkins can be safely illuminated with small inexpensive flashlights. It is safer than candles. When decorating, remember to keep exits clear. With a little creativity, using flashlights instead of candles or torchlight's to decorate walkways and yards is highly effective and it's much safer for trick-or- treaters. Instruct children to stay away from open flames or heat sources. Be sure children know the Stop, Drop and Roll, Cool and Call technique in the event their clothing catches fire. Provide children with lightweight flashlights or as part of their costume instead of candles. A friendly reminder to you and your family . . . planning ahead can help make this Halloween a safe one!

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