October 27, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2015-35) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HALLOWEEN SAFETY According to the United States Fire Administration there are 10,300 fires during the three day period around Halloween. These fires cause an estimated 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million in property loss. Mobile Fire-Rescue wants to help our communities be safer during Halloween by sharing a few safety tips: • Motorists should be especially alert on Halloween. • Watch for children darting out from between parked cars. • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. • Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. • At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing. • Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes. If you make your own costume, use materials that won’t catch on fire easily if they come in contact with heat or flames. • Choose a costume without long trailing fabric. This can cause a child to trip or may touch flames in jack-o’-lanterns or other decorations. • If mask are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes. • Give your children flashlights or glow sticks so they can see where they are walking. • Keep decorations away from candles, lights bulbs or heaters. • Consider using flameless candles or glow sticks in your jack-o’-lanterns. • Keep exits clear of decorations. • Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision. • Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards. • Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. • Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks. • Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. • When in doubt, throw it out. ###