For Immediate Release
October 24, 2015
Surrey Fire Fighters Give Life Saving Tips for Halloween
Surrey, BC – By making small adjustments to costume and decoration choices on Halloween, danger and risk to public safety is easily decreased.
“It is important for people to take basic precautions to make sure they have nothing other than a fun-filled Halloween,” says President Mike McNamara of Surrey Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1271.
The Surrey Fire Service reported, that there was a high of 40 fireworks related fires in 2004, and have seen an average 3 per year since 2005.
BC Fire facts by Emergency Management BC (2013 stats) states that candle fires account for 55 fires causing over $3 million in property damage. Chimney and fire place related fires accounted for 103 fires causing over $4 Million in property damage. Fireworks related fires accounted for 22 fires resulting $75,000 in damage. Between 2007 and 2011, decoration fires accounted for approximately 920 residential fires annually, resulting in six fatalities, 47 injuries and $12.9 million in property damage. The majority of these fires involved candles. (Source: NFPA’s Home Structure Fires that Began with Decorations. November 2013)
To ensure a safe and happy Halloween, IAFF Local 1271 offers the following tips:
- Cross streets at the intersection and look both ways before crossing.
- Use battery operated lights, not candles, to decorate walkways. Always keep candles, matches and lighters in a place that children cannot reach. This will make it much safer for trick-or-treaters and decrease the chance of an open flame fire.
- Keep children, costumes and decorations away from open flames and heat sources. Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable.
- Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Make sure they are certified by a recognized organization like the Underwriters’ Laboratory, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters’ Laboratory of Canada (ULC). Do not overload extension cords. Indoor and outdoor decorative lights can be fire hazards.
- Choose costumes that are flame resistant, comfortable, and easy to walk in and see.
- Pick brightly colored costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add reflective tape to the costume to increase visibility.
Please call 9-1-1 for the help of your local fire fighters in the case of a fire or emergency.
The Surrey Fire Fighters Association wishes you a happy and safe Halloween.
Media Contact:
Office E-mail: info@iaff1271.org
Office Tel: 604.574.5785
