Some types of Halloween costumes can pose fire hazards

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November 3, 2009

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Tue Nov 03, 2009, 11:15 AM CST

CULLMAN — Included with all of the ghouls and goblins today, Cullman Fire Marshal Chris Chaffin wants trick or treaters to remember there are also a few fire hazards to look out for this Halloween.

A major safety issue around Halloween relates to costumes, Chaffin said.

“You need to be very careful with costumes and watch what they’re made of to be sure they are flame resistant,” he said. “One big thing to look out for are novelty wigs. Most of those wigs are made of plastic and will actually melt if they get too close to a flame.”

Costumes with long, billowing arms and bottoms can also be a hazard if they get to close to a heat source.

“You need to be careful and watch for how close your costume is to candles, heaters and things like that,” Chaffin said.

Make-up for costumes is also a safer alternative to masks, Chaffin said.

“We recommend that because the masks can block their vision a little bit,” he said.

When visiting any haunted house events or parties, Chaffin said it is important to make note of the exits in case of an emergency.

“You need to make sure the exits aren’t blocked and the organizers need to make sure they don’t cover up exit lighting,” he said. “If you’re going to any Halloween parties, look at where the different doors and exits are once you get there.”

Parents should also make an effort to teach their children the “stop, drop and roll” technique to put out a fire.

“That is something they definitely need to know, in case their costume catches on fire somehow,” Chaffin said.

Halloween decorations can also be major fire hazards, Chaffin said.

“The decorations people put up are usually dried flowers, corn stalks and hay,” he said. “Those things are very flammable, so make sure you don’t have any candles or lights that could spark next to them, because those will burn fast.”

As an alternative to candles, Chaffin recommended flashlights and LED lights to illuminate jack-o-lanterns.

“That is a lot safer for people nearby wearing costumes,” he said.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, during the four-year-period of 2002-2005, decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 1,150 reported home structure fires per year. These fires caused an estimated average of three civilian deaths, 56 civilian injuries and $24.8 million in direct property damage per year.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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