Halloween one of top five days for candle fires

As ghosts, goblins and witches prepare to hit the streets in search of fun and treats, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging caution in order for children and adults to be safe this Halloween.  According to a recent report from NFPA, Halloween is the fifth highest day of the year for candle fires, falling in behind Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day and New Year's Eve.

In order to make the Halloween holiday safe, NFPA recommends the following:

Halloween safety tips

• Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
• Use flashlights when illuminating Jack-O-Lanterns. Use extreme caution when decorating with candlelit Jack-O-Lanterns, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn including doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to Stop, Drop and Roll 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 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.