According to the latest data from the U.S. Fire Administration, there are 10,300 fires during the 3-day period around Halloween.  These fires caused about 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million dollars in property loss.

Let’s help our communities be safer during Halloween by remembering and sharing these tips with your neighbors:

• Choose a Halloween costume without long trailing fabric.   This can cause a child to trip and/or the material may catch fire from flames in jack-o’-lanterns or other decorations.
• If you make your own costume, use materials that will not catch on fire easily if your child should happen to walk near a decoration that is heated or has a flame.
• Give your children flashlights or glow sticks so they can see where they are walking, and so drivers can also see them.
• Keep decorations away from candles, light bulbs or heaters.
• Consider using flameless candles or glow sticks in your jack-o’-lantern.
• Keep entrances and exits clear of decorations so children can safely arrive and leave your property.
• As always, check your children’s candy before letting them go wild in the bag!   Opened candy and baked goods that are not received from someone you know well should be discarded, not eaten.

For more information about Halloween fires and fire safety, check out the U.S. Fire Administration’s Website.