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    • 5 Ways to Keep Your Halloween Fire Safe
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    5 Ways to Keep Your Halloween Fire Safe

    Online Niel Posted on

    SOUTH BEND — From flame-resistant costumes to battery-operated candles, Halloween just got a whole lot more prepared against accidental fires.

    In general, the holiday is not associated with many fire hazards, Assistant Mishawaka Fire Chief David Ray said. Local fire departments offered tips on how to keep it that way.

    Fire resistant costumes, wigs and accessories

    When purchasing a suit or accessory, shoppers should look for a “flame resistant” label or nylon and polyester fabrics, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a press release. In accordance with federal Flammable Fabrics Lawcostumes sold at retail stores must be flame resistant.

    Clay fire territory Firefighter Ron Melser warned people in long, wavy suits to be aware of their surroundings near heat sources.

    “If you’re cooking, you don’t want to have long, droopy Halloween costumes that get too close to a heat source like a gas stove, which could cause the costume to catch fire,” Melser said.

    Visibility of the suit

    When you go to an event or trick-or-treating, Melser said, it’s important for people to be visible. He suggested bringing a flashlight or making glow stick jewelry “part of the costume.”

    More: Trick-or-Treat times listed for the South Bend area

    Use non-fire alternatives for decorations

    right National Association for Fire Protectionan average of 835 home fires, in the period 2018-2022, were caused by decorations. Nearly half of those fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, the organization said.

    While it’s becoming more common to use battery-operated candles or LED lights in lanterns and other decorations, Ray advised people to use alternative light sources other than candles.

    Melser said to keep candles away from any fuel.

    You have a working smoke alarm

    Smoke detectors can go off, Melser said. A party host should make sure they have a working smoke detector, he said, and even a fire extinguisher.

    Do not hide the exits with decorations

    When entering a structure, people should know where their exits are and try to plan a way out, Ray said. NFPA code it prevents commercial properties from using decorations to hide doors and make them not look like a door, Melser said. However, there is no rule for residences.

    “You want to make sure people know the exits,” Melser said. “You really don’t want to block their exit.”

    Tribune email staff writer Camille Sarabia at [email protected].

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