Fire Marshal Offers Tips for a Safe Halloween
Department of Labour (to Sept. 00)
October 27, 1999 12:36 PM
Provincial Fire Marshal Robert Cormier wants Nova Scotia children
to have a fun-filled and safe Halloween.
"Oct. 31 is a special night in the life of a child and we should
take every precaution to make it not only enjoyable, but safe,"
Mr. Cormier said. "In addition to the usual safety hazards, it
will be the first evening of (Atlantic) standard time, and
children and adults will not have made the adjustment."
With darkness descending shortly after 5 p.m., the fire marshal
suggests children wear bright and reflective costumes. It is
important, too, that shoes fit well and that costumes are short
enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
In communities where Halloween is to be observed on Oct. 30,
trick-or-treaters will have the benefit of more daylight but
should remain equally cautious.
Other tips to ensure a safe Halloween include:
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and
trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic
makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and
purchase only those with a label clearly indicating they are
flame resistant
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and
their escorts.
- Teach children how to call 911 if they have an emergency or
become lost. Remind them that 911 can be dialed free at any pay
telephone.
- Block Parent signs should be prominently displayed.
- Review with your children the principle of Stop-Drop-Roll
should their clothes catch fire
- Motorists should remain cautious, reduce speed and drive slowly
through the community
- By law, fireworks may only be set off with the permission of
the local fire chief and only by individuals over 18 years of
age.
"These reminders are really a common sense approach to
trick-or-treating," said Mr. Cormier. "Halloween is a great time
for the
young and the young-at-heart. we just want to make certain
everyone has a fun time and a safe experience."
-30-
Contact: Robert Cormier
Fire Marshal
902-424-5721
E-mail: cormierr@gov.ns.ca
kjd October 27, 1999 12:26 p.m.
Provincial Fire Marshal Robert Cormier wants Nova Scotia children
to have a fun-filled and safe Halloween.
"Oct. 31 is a special night in the life of a child and we should
take every precaution to make it not only enjoyable, but safe,"
Mr. Cormier said. "In addition to the usual safety hazards, it
will be the first evening of (Atlantic) standard time, and
children and adults will not have made the adjustment."
With darkness descending shortly after 5 p.m., the fire marshal
suggests children wear bright and reflective costumes. It is
important, too, that shoes fit well and that costumes are short
enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
In communities where Halloween is to be observed on Oct. 30,
trick-or-treaters will have the benefit of more daylight but
should remain equally cautious.
Other tips to ensure a safe Halloween include:
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and
trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic
makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives
- When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and
purchase only those with a label clearly indicating they are
flame resistant
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and
their escorts.
- Teach children how to call 911 if they have an emergency or
become lost. Remind them that 911 can be dialed free at any pay
telephone.
- Block Parent signs should be prominently displayed.
- Review with your children the principle of Stop-Drop-Roll
should their clothes catch fire
- Motorists should remain cautious, reduce speed and drive slowly
through the community
- By law, fireworks may only be set off with the permission of
the local fire chief and only by individuals over 18 years of
age.
"These reminders are really a common sense approach to
trick-or-treating," said Mr. Cormier. "Halloween is a great time
for the
young and the young-at-heart. we just want to make certain
everyone has a fun time and a safe experience."
-30-
Contact: Robert Cormier
Fire Marshal
902-424-5721
E-mail: cormierr@gov.ns.ca
kjd October 27, 1999 12:26 p.m.