City Of Reno: Halloween Safety Tips From RFD

Press release from the City of Reno:

10/27/2021 9:40 AM

The Reno Fire Department (RFD) would like to remind our residents to be extra careful this Halloween.

Incendiary fires and fires caused by candles too close to combustibles typically increase on Halloween and the night before. Children are more than twice as likely to be injured or killed by a car on Halloween, than any other day of the year.

RFD offers the following tips:

Fire Safety:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns instead of open flame.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, crepe paper, and black plastic sheeting can easily catch fire.
• Keep open flame and smoking materials away from these types of decoration.

Trick or Treating:

• Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
• Older children going out alone should share their planned route with their parents.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar well lit areas.
• Stay alert and put electronic devices down when next to streets and roads.
• Wear or carry a light or something reflective.

Safety Tips for Motorists:

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Stay alert and watch for children on the roadways, medians, and curbs. Many costumes involve dark clothing and may be hard to see.
• Discourage inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween night.
• Stay off your phone!

More information is available at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author’s own.