With Halloween just around the corner, several local police and public safety departments as well as the Illinois State Fire Marshal have released trick-or-treat and general holiday safety tips for parents and children.
Halloween celebrations can cause an increased risk of burns and accidental fires, according to a news release from the state fire marshal. Between 2017 and 2019, about 9,200 fires were reported over a three-day period around Halloween according to data from the U.S. Fire Administration. Those fires resulted in 25 deaths, 100 injuries and about $117 million dollars in property loss. Data says that decorations coming in contact with a heat source caused 40% of the fires reported.
To prevent accidental fires, Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson suggests using battery operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns and keep decorations such as dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper away form heat sources and open flames.
“Halloween is an exciting time for many and keeping fire safety in mind is just as important as picking out that perfect costume,” said Simpson in a news release.
Costumes can pose their own danger so Simpson recommends avoiding costumes with long trailing fabric and masks with small eye holes that impede vision. To keep kids visible while out after dark, make sure they have flashlights or glow sticks.
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The Villages of Wilmette and Glencoe Public Safety reminded residents to turn their exterior lights on to let trick-or-treaters know that they’re passing out candy.
Glencoe Public Safety advised that trick-or-treaters not go out alone and watch for traffic while out. Motorists should drive with extra caution and watch for trick-or-treaters.
A news release form the Village of Wilmette says children should never enter a home while out trick-or-treating and only stay on the front porch or steps.