Treat yourself to a fire-safe Halloween!

TORONTO, Oct. 29 /CNW/ -

NEWS

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to focus on safety when considering costumes, decorating, planning for Halloween parties and trick-or-treating this year.

There are many fire and other safety risks associated with Halloween. To ensure that everyone has a fire-safe Halloween, the OFM has developed a Halloween Fire Safety Tips sheet that provides important safety information for children, adults and the entire family.

Keep family and friends safe by ensuring that costumes are bright and reflective and accompany children when they go trick-or-treating. Make sure everyone knows the emergency number.

QUOTES

"Halloween is an occasion when people like to use many candles and with the use of candles there is an increased risk of fire," explained Doug Crawford, Deputy Fire Marshal of Ontario. "Battery operated candles and flashing lights are the safest. If you must use real candles, keep them safely out of reach of children and pets and away from anything that can burn. Candles should never be left unattended."

"It is also a great time to check your smoke alarms to make sure they work. Only working smoke alarms can detect fire in its early stages," explained Crawford. "Talk to everyone in your home about what to do when the smoke alarms sounds."

LEARN MORE

For more information about Halloween fire safety, visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca and download the Halloween Fire Safety Tips sheet.

For further information: Gina Pontikas, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]; Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]