The Guam Fire Department reminds the community to be safe this Halloween.
An estimated 10,300 fires were reported to the departments in the United States over a three-day period around Halloween and caused an estimated 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million in property loss.
Here are some Halloween Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association and the Guam Fire Department to keep your loved ones safe:
• When choosing a costume. stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a
mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume; do not use candles or lanterns.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and
heaters.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or. a utility lighter.
• Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can bum and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them
practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground. covering their face with hands, and
rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping. entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
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