To protect children participating in Halloween activities from fire and burn injuries, experts at the nonprofit National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) say to plan ahead. "Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes
and decorative materials are flame resistant, can prevent fires," says Meri-K Appy, NFPA assistant vice president for public
education. "Using candles greatly increases the chance of fire, so we encourage people to use flashlights to light pumpkins
and for other spooky effects."
Decorations for special events, most often involving candles, account for an annual average of 800 home fires, causing nearly
$4 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA. Additionally, in the United States, more than 100 people die each
year as a result of their clothing becoming ignited.
Halloween can be a fun celebration, but children should be closely supervised and their costumes made with fire safety in
mind. The NFPA suggests the following guidelines for a safer Halloween:
* Purchase only those costumes, wigs and props labeled 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. Avoid highly flammable fabrics and accessories.
* When planning party decorations, bear in mind that dried flowers and cornstalks 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 sa fely illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights. When decorating, remember to keep exits
clear. Be sure children are supervised at all times.
* With a little creativity, using flashlights instead of candles or torch lights to decorate walkways and yards is highly
effective in creating a festive atmosphere and it's much safer for trick-or-treaters.
* Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure each child knows the stop, drop and roll
technique in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground covering your face with your hands,
and roll over and over to extinguish the flames.) Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the
exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
* Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume instead of candles.
"Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one," says Ms. Appy. For additional information on fire and burn
prevention, contact your local fire department.