Fire inspector, safety manager offer Halloween safety tips Published Nov. 1, 2010 By Scott Johns and Roger Cox Fire Inspector and Ground Safety Manager MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Halloween is a time for ghouls, ghosts and vampires to prowl the streets of base housing in search treats. During this fun time it is also important to take steps in ensuring the safety of those participating. People can implement simple fire safety precautions to help make Halloween a safe event for all Air Force Global Strike command's servicemembers and their families. These precautions include: ensuring costumes and decorations are flame-resistant; distancing open flames from fuel sources; maintaining clear exits; and substituting flashlights for candles or torch lights. Fire safe costumes and decorations Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose materials that will not easily ignite if they come in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features. Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Use extreme caution when decorating with candles and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches and place lit pumpkins well away from all combustible items. Pumpkins can also be illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights. Flash lights for decoration and visibility Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting. Stop, drop and roll Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering the face with hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.) Maintaining clear exits Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes. Instruct children who are attending parties at other peoples' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency. Some other general safety tips include: * Make costumes nice and bright so drivers can see them -- use retro- reflective tape, a glow stick or carry a flashlight. * Follow the rules of the road. When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road. Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing. Children 10 years old and younger should cross the street with an adult. *Adults should check all candy before it's eaten. Have fun and be safe. For more information on Halloween fire safety, call the fire department at 731-4100.