While it’s time to get creepy and spooky, don’t let your celebrations be haunted by fire.
The Denton Fire Fighters Association says it wants residents to have fun during the Halloween festivities but also to be mindful of potential fire hazards.
Officials advise people to use flameless LED candles to decorate homes and walkways, and to keep decorations away from open flames and heat sources.
“It is important for people to take basic precautions to make sure they have nothing other than a fun-filled Halloween,” Jason Ballard, president of the association, said in a news release this week.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the United States sees an overall increase in fires on Halloween caused by open flames, and the arson rate is 10 percent higher than any other day with 15,500 fires and $92 million in property loss per year.
Kenneth Hedges, spokesman for the Denton Fire Department, said the department has no significant increase in call volume on Halloween compared to any other day, whether the holiday fell on a weekday or weekend.
Mark Richards, division chief of the Lewisville Fire Department, said the city doesn’t experience a high call volume either but encourages people to be mindful of their costumes being dragged into a flame, especially since many costumes are long and flowing — be it Elsa or a Dracula.
“You would be amazed at how many people still use candles to light up their pumpkins,” he said. “Candles are our big concern.”
Richards said jack-o’-lanterns around vegetation can cause a fire to spread quickly and asks that residents keep that in mind when decorating.
The firefighters association also issued the following tips:
Cross streets at an intersection and look both ways before crossing.
Use battery-operated lights, not candles, to decorate walkways. Always keep candles, matches and lighters in a place that children cannot reach. This will make it much safer for trick-or-treaters and decrease the chance of an open-flame fire.
Keep children, costumes and decorations away from open flames and heat sources.
Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable.
Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Make sure lights are certified by a recognized organization such as the Underwriters Laboratory, Canadian Standards Association or the Underwriters Laboratory of Canada. Do not overload extension cords. Indoor and outdoor decorative lights can be fire hazards.
Choose costumes that are flame resistant, comfortable and easy to walk in and see.
Pick brightly colored costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add reflective tape to the costume to increase visibility.
The firefighters association urges everyone to call 911 in case of a fire or other emergency and wishes everyone a happy and safe Halloween.
“I think that’s what any of us want — just be safe around the kids and enjoy the evening,” Richards said.
MEGAN GRAY-HATFIELD can be reached at 940-566-6885 and via Twitter at @MGrayNews.
