(File Photo of Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) As Halloween gets closer, the holiday can be scary if safety regarding fires is overlooked, from candles to decorations to flowing costumes. According to a release from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), here are some tips and guidelines for celebrating Halloween with fire safety in mind along with some online links with more information on fire safety:

Costumes: When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see clearly.

Flashlights: Give children flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

Decorations: Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Candles: Only use battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns. If you choose to use real candles, be sure to place them well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

Smoke Alarms: Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.

Visit the Halloween safety page by clicking here for more resources. Download the free NFPA Halloween Fire Safety Bundle by clicking here featuring Sparky the Fire Dog® for frightfully fun activities for kids and families.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA Press Room by clicking here.