Have a Fire Safe Halloween

Greater Sudbury Fire Services are encouraging residents to focus on safety when considering costumes, decorating and trick-or-treating this year.

“People often use candles when decorating their home for Halloween. Whenever real candles are used, there is an increased risk of fire," said Joe Nicholls, General Manager of Community Safety and Chief of Fire and Paramedic Services. "Battery operated candles and flashing lights are safest. If you must use wax candles, keep them out of reach of children and pets and away from anything that can burn. Candles should never be left unattended.”

Keep family and friends safe by accompanying children when they go trick-or-treating and ensuring that costumes are bright and reflective.

It is also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they work and talk to everyone in your home about what to do when the smoke alarm goes off.

Here are a few safety tips to help make Halloween night safe and enjoyable for the whole family:

Safety Tips for Children
•    The best costumes are light coloured or bright and reflective. Keep costumes short to avoid tripping and falling. Minimize the risk of contact with candles or other ignition sources by avoiding baggy clothing.
•    Give every child a flashlight with fresh batteries. Remind them of traffic safety rules and that they should cross streets at corners and never cross between parked cars.
•    Make sure children know how to call 911 if they experience an emergency. 
•    Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover your face with your hands, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames. 
Safety Tips for Adults
•    Be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety rules. 
•    Appoint a designated driver if you attend adult Halloween parties. 
•    Accompany children when they go out trick-or-treating. 
Safety at Home
•    Consider using only battery-powered lanterns, flashing lights or chemical light sticks instead of candles in decorations. 
•    Small flashlight candles are the safest for use in jack-o'-lanterns. If you must use a wax candle, try a tea light or votive candle in a non-combustible holder. Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Place candlelit jack-o'-lanterns on sturdy tables, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave them unattended. 
•    Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes can brush against the flame. 
•    Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with holiday lighting or special effects. Keep exit doors unblocked. Replace outdoor light bulbs. Check that the batteries in your smoke alarms work. 
•    Keep pets safe by ensuring they stay away from the door. Do not let them outside. 

Treat yourself and those around you to a fire safe Halloween.