Staying Safe on Halloween

The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to stay safe this Halloween by following a few simple safety tips: 
 
•Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can adequately see. 
 
•Remind children to be on the lookout for cars when crossing the street and driveways. 
 
•Buy only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. 
 
•When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. Advise children to stay away from open flames and ensure kids know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire. 
 
•It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution and make sure children are supervised around lit candles. Place lit pumpkins well away from anything flammable and out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards. 
 
•Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. 
 
•Remind your children not to eat any candy before you inspect it. 
 
•If you are going out for the evening, lock your doors and leave a few lights on inside the house to make it appear someone is home. 
 
For more safety information, please visit www.nfpa.org/education.