PENTICTON – With Halloween just two days away, the Penticton Fire Department is providing tips to ensure everyone stays safe on the scariest day of the year.
“Halloween can be a night of fun and excitement for all ages,” said Fire Chief Wayne Williams, “but it can also lead to dangerous situations resulting in serious injuries. Be safe this Halloween.”
With that in mind, the fire department is putting out the following tips for parents and children alike:
• Costumes – Choose Halloween costumes, wigs and accessories that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Avoid costumes with long trailing pieces that may easily ignite or cause accidental falls. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape, stickers or glow sticks. Masks can often obstruct a child’s vision; try using make-up or non-toxic face paint.
• Traffic safety – on Halloween night, children are injured in pedestrian/automobile accidents four times more than any other time of year. Provide your child with a flashlight and review road safety. Drivers should be especially alert for children between the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Treats – Be sure your children understand the importance of avoiding eating their treats until an adult has properly examined them.
• Decorations – Keep decorations such as dried flowers, paper and other highly flammable items well away from all heat sources such as flames, light bulbs and heaters. Never leave a candle unattended. Avoid using real candles in jack-o-lanterns; instead use a flashlight or battery-operated candle. Lights and other decorations should be certified by a recognized organization such as the Canadian Standards Association or the Underwriters’ Laboratory of Canada. Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Child safety – Remind children to stick to familiar areas that are well-lit and to trick-or-treat in groups. Educate children to stay clear of open flames and other heat sources. Stop, drop and roll in the event clothes catch fire.
• Halloween parties – If attending Halloween parties at other peoples’ homes, have a plan to get out – look for ways out in the event of an emergency.
• Fireworks – The use of fireworks by untrained individuals may result in unnecessary injuries. Teach children that fireworks are not toys and that if they find fireworks, they should tell an adult. It is unsafe for children to pick up fireworks and bring them to an adult. Keep in mind that in most communities, you need a permit to light, discharge or sell any fireworks.
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