NFPA provides Halloween fire safety tips

Quincy, MA – Families need to plan ahead to prevent fires this Halloween, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“It’s an exciting holiday, especially for the kids, but if precautions are not taken, scary things can happen,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of communications.

To decrease the risk of fire, NFPA offers these tips:

• Keep doorways and exits free of obstacles to avoid blocking escape routes.
• Avoid costumes with long trailing fabric and easily ignitable materials.
• Decorations made from paper, dried flowers or cornstalks should be kept away from all flame sources.
• Instruct children on the proper “stop, drop and roll” procedures.
• Use a flashlight or a battery-operated candle in a jack-o'-lantern.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards.