John Guilfoil Public Relations LLC

PR for Police, Fire, Schools and Municipal Government

by

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Raynham Fire and Police Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips

RAYNHAM — With Halloween next week, Fire Chief James T. Januse and Police Chief James Donovan would like to offer Raynham residents some important tips to ensure everyone celebrates safely and responsibly.

Each year from 2014 to 2016, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 10,100 fires were reported to fire departments in the United States over a three-day period around Halloween. This caused an estimated 30 deaths, 125 injuries and $102 million in property loss.

Halloween fires typically occur outdoors, and are often caused by open flames coming into contact with flammable decorations. Cooking fires have also historically spiked on Halloween.

Children should:

  • Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
  • Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant
  • Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street
  • Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily
  • Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals
  • Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes

Parents and guardians should:

  • Supervise young children
  • Establish a designated curfew for older children
  • Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground
  • Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags
  • Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials

Homeowners should:

  • Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours
  • Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire
  • Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames, light bulbs and heaters
  • Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
  • Use battery operated candles for Halloween decorations
  • Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children

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