Newark Authorities Issue Halloween Fire Safety Tips

From The City of Newark:

Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, and Acting Fire Chief Rufus Jackson reminded Newark residents that as Halloween approaches and the City prepares for numerous Halloween parties, there are safety precautions that should be taken to prevent fire and injury from costumes and decorations made of flammable materials. According to the National Fire Protection Association's 2014 statistics, decorations are the first things to ignite in more than 920 reported home fires each year. These fires cause an estimated average of six civilian deaths, 47 civilian injuries and $13 million in direct property damage per year.

"It is important for every resident to take personal responsibility when it comes to fire safety," said Mayor Baraka. "While Halloween is a fun time of the year for trick-or-treaters, there are safety tips our families should practice so they can protect their loved ones and homes from the dangers of fire. By taking these precautions, we can all enjoy a safe and happy Halloween."

It is crucial that as we celebrate Halloween, we encourage the importance of fire safety and keep our residents informed about the preventative measures they can take to protect themselves and their homes," said Director Ambrose. "Throughout Fire Prevention Month we have been providing Newarkers with this information. Parents need to be aware that some costumes are flammable and a lit candle should never be left unattended.

""Halloween should be an enjoyable time for all Newark families," said Chief Jackson. "By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that Halloween is enjoyed in a fun and safe manner. We also urge residents to ensure that they have fresh batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

"According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 100 people die annually, nationwide, 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 Fire Department recommends that you follow these guidelines for costume safety:

* Only purchase and use flame retardant costumes.

* Children should wear white, reflective clothing, or use reflective tape and carry either a flashlight or glow stick.

* Costumes should fit properly - avoid loose or baggy costumes.

* Avoid any type of open flame while wearing costume.

* Encourage children to wear face paint as opposed to a mask. Face paint should be non-toxic and meet FDA standards.

* If a mask is worn, make sure that the eyes, mouth and nose openings are large enough to ensure adequate breathing and full range of vision.

* Children should never carry sharp objects. Ensure that all props are made of material that is flexible and nonrealistic looking.

* Materials made of 100 percent polyester or modacrylics are best for making homemade costumes. They are less flammable. 100 percent polyester and modacrylics may be purchased at most local fabric stores.

* Educate children to stay clear of open flames and other heat sources. Ensure that children know how to perform STOP, DROP, AND ROLL, should their clothes catch on fire. (If your clothes catch on fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.)* REMEMBER - A flame-retardant costume does not mean that it is fireproof. Always keep your costume away from any type of open flame or other heat sources.Candle-lit pumpkins should never be left unattended indoors and should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes can brush against the flame or people can trip over the open flame. Light candles with long fireplace matches or a long safety lighter. Always extinguish candles when leaving the house or before going to sleep. It is safer to use flashlights or flashing tealights in pumpkins instead of candles.The Fire Division recommends that you follow these additional guidelines for fire safety: * Avoid decorating with candles or torchlights.

* Keep paper, cornstalks, and dried flowers well away from sources of heat. Keep all exits clear of decoration materials.

* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps, and porches, when expecting trick-or-treaters.

* Keep indoor candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other combustibles that could be ignited.

* Keep exits clear of decorations, so that nothing blocks escape routes.

* Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torchlights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.

* If your children are going to Halloween parties, have them look for ways out of the home or venue and plan how they would get out in an emergency.

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