PROTECT YOURSELF FROM OPEN FLAMES THIS HALLOWEEN

Fire prevention is the key

TORONTO, Oct. 29 /CNW/ - To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries during activities that may involve open flames, the Fire Marshal of Ontario is urging Ontario families to focus on preventing fires and ensuring safety as they prepare for Halloween this year. To keep families safe from fire this Halloween, the OFM has developed a Halloween Safety Tips sheet geared to children, adults and home safety. Some of the important tips include using battery-operated lights in jack-o'-lanterns and wearing bright and reflective costumes.

QUOTES

"Using battery-powered lights in jack-o'-lanterns is a good way to prevent fire from occurring," says Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. "Other ways to be fire safe this Halloween include always keeping candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children and pets and ensuring decorations, such as cornstalks and bales of hay, are kept away from candlelit jack-o'-lanterns."

LEARN MORE

To get more information about Halloween fire safety, visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca and download the Halloween Safety Tips sheet.

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Top Fire Safety Tips ior Halloween Night

• The best costumes are light coloured or bright and reflective.
• Keep costumes short to avoid tripping and falling. Minimize the risk of contact with candles or other ignition sources by avoiding baggy pants, loose frills or billowing skirts.
• Make sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number if they experience an emergency.
• Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face with hands and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.
• Consider using only battery-powered lights or chemical light sticks in decorations.
• Small battery-powered lights are the safest for use in jack-o'-lanterns. If you use a candle, try a tea light or votive candle in a non-combustible holder.
• Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Place candlelit jack-o'-lanterns on sturdy surfaces, away from anything that can burn, such as curtains and Halloween costumes.
• Keep decorations such as cornstalks and bales of hay away from candlelit jack-o'-lanterns.
• Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with holiday lighting or special effects.
• Check that the batteries in your smoke alarms work.

For further information:

Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178