The following from the State Fire Marshal’s Office:

Colorful costumes, scary decorations, and delicious treats make Halloween a fun and exciting time for all ages. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages residents to take a few extra safety precautions to make your holiday spooktacular:

• Purchase or make costumes that are made of “flame resistant” or “flame retardant” fabrics and materials. This means they will resist burning and extinguish quickly, if ignited.
• Costumes should not have trailing materials that could easily catch fire or cause falls. If a child is wearing a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough to not obstruct vision.
• Pick out costumes that have bright colors and reflective materials to make youngsters more visible. Have each child carry a glow stick and flashlight for extra visibility.
• Remind everyone to use crosswalks and remind yourself and other drivers to use extra caution while driving. Watch for children in between parked cars and at corners.
• Keep decorations like cornstalks and leaves away from flames and other heat sources. If possible, use battery operated lights for pumpkins and other decorations, rather than a candle.
• While celebrating at a party or whenever you are in a new environment, ensure you are familiar with exits, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation plans.

Taking a few minutes to implement these tips can make your Halloween safe and memorable. For more information on holiday fire safety and home fire prevention visit the Washington State Fire Marshal’s website at www.wsp.wa.gov/state-fire-marshals-office/