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    • 5 ways to keep your Halloween festivities safe
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    5 ways to keep your Halloween festivities safe

    Harry Posted on

    SOUTH BEND — From flame-resistant costumes to battery-powered candles, Halloween just got a lot better prepared for accidental fires.

    The holiday is not usually associated with having much fire danger. Mishawaka Deputy Fire Chief David Ray said. Local fire departments offered tips on how to go about it.

    Fire-resistant costumes, wigs and accessories

    When purchasing a costume or accessory, buyers should look for the “flame resistant” label or nylon and polyester fabrics. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission he said Press release. In accordance with federal law Flammable Fabrics ActCostumes sold in retail stores must be flame resistant.

    Clay Fire Zone Fire Marshal Ron Melser warned people wearing long, flowing costumes to be mindful of their surroundings near heat sources.

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

    costume visibility

    Melser said it’s important for people to be visible when going to an event or trick-or-treating party. 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 fire-free alternatives for decoration

    according to National Fire Protection AssociationBetween 2018 and 2022, an average of 835 houses caught fire. caused by decorations. Nearly half of these fires occurred because decorations were too close to the heat source, the organization said.

    Although it’s increasingly common to use battery-powered candles or LED lights in jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations, Ray recommended people use alternative light sources other than candles.

    Melser said we should keep candles away from flammable materials.

    Have a working smoke alarm

    Smoke detectors can become obsolete, Melser said. He said the person hosting the party should make sure they have a working smoke detector and even a fire extinguisher.

    Do not block exits with decorations

    Ray said people need to know where their exit is when entering a structure and plan a way out. NFPA code Melser said he discourages commercial properties from using decorations that would disguise doors and make them not look like doors. However, there are no rules for residences.

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

    Email Tribune writer Camille Sarabia at: [email protected].

    Harry
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