STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS CITIZENS TO KEEP HALLOWEEN FIRE FREE

Posted: October 26th, 2010 3:18 PM

Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson reminds residents to keep fire safety at the forefront when participating in Halloween festivities.

"Events and activities surrounding Halloween can increase the risk of fire and injuries," says State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson. "When you combine an increase in candle use with decorations, costumes, and children, you have an increased fire risk. A safer option is to use battery-operated candles. We want to remind families to remember fire safety when decorating and participating in activities throughout the weekend."

In the five-day period surrounding Halloween (Oct. 28 through Nov. 1), over the past five years there have been 290 structure fires in Oregon resulting in 10 injuries and more than $5.5 million in property damage.

With Halloween just a few days away, the Office of State Fire Marshal offers tips to keep everyone safe:
• Only purchase costumes, wigs, and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Avoid flowing costumes or those that drag; these may easily contact an open flame and catch fire.
• Keep flammable materials such as dried flowers, corn stalks, hay bales, crepe paper, and other decorations well away from open flames and heat sources including light bulbs, heaters, etc.
• Consider using flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating jack-o-lanterns.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torchlights when decorating walkways and yards.
• If using candles, place them out of reach of children and pets.
• Always use a sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic candleholder.
• Never leave candles burning unattended and be sure to blow them out before leaving the room or before going to sleep.
• Don't light candles with items embedded in them such as twigs, flowers, or leaves.
• Check decorative light sets for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Dispose of any damaged sets.
• Don't overload extension cords or electrical sockets.
• Be sure to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.
• Fight arson by reporting suspicious activity in your area to your local law enforcement agency.

More fire safety information is available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Com_Ed_Section.shtml.
If you are planning to host a haunted house, you can find state regulations at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Codes/AppendixK.pdf.