BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Kern County Fire Department has provided some safety tips to keep in mind this Halloween season.
KCFD reports that around 900 fires are started every year from decorations catching fire, and add that two of every five fires are started by candles.
Trick-or-Treating
• Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult
• Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting and visibility
• Review how to cross a street with your child. Look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street
• If driving, be sure to watch for trick-or-treaters who are too busy to watch for you
• Remind children to stay together as a group when walking from house to house
Costumes
• Purchase costumes made of flame resistant or flame retardant material. Fire resistant does not mean fireproof!
• Apply reflective tape to Halloween costumes
• Masks can obstruct vision - consider using make-up instead
• Avoid loose, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts
• Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping
Decorations
• Keep decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters
• Light jack-'o-lanterns with battery powered light - never use candles!
• Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes
• Remove objects from the yard that could present a tripping hazard (garden tools, hoses, etc.)
Remember to closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it, discarding any unwrapped treats from a stranger. If in doubt, throw it out!
Have a safe Halloween from the Kern County Fire Department and KGET.