Halloween Fire Safety – Keeping the Fire Monster Away!

The Clyde Fire Department wants you to “Be Scared” about fire.

Here are some safety tips so that you may have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

• Keep straw bales and corn shocks away from your house or other buildings. An improperly discarded cigarette could spell disaster.
  
• Inspect the entire length of electric cords prior to using them for any decorations. Make sure that the plug ends are in good condition.
  
• If you are using electric cords outside, make sure they are approved for outdoor use.
  
• Electric cords should also be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci) outlet to prevent electrical shock.
  
• Make sure decorations are a safe distance from any lights or other heat source. The wind may cause the decoration to come into contact with the light.
  
• Please use candles cautiously. Make sure that they are properly secured in a holder and a safe distance from flammable objects.
  
• Costumes for the kids (and adults) should be of a material that is fire resistant or has been treated with a fire retardant. Fire retardant sprays may be purchased from fire extinguisher suppliers. (Don’t forget that the costumes should also be visible.)
  
• Be careful with “Silly String” or other compressed gas novelties. The propellant gas or product may ignite if exposed to a heat source.
  
• If you build a bon fire for cooking in your yard, remember to keep it small and contained. Use hardwoods for fuel. Pine and other softwoods produce more flying embers. Remember also to have a garden hose nearby to extinguish any fire outside of the fire ring and to also thoroughly quench the fire when you are done.