Fire - News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2007
CONTACT: Firefighter/PIO Daniel Valenzuela
Glendale Fire Department, (623) 695-7668

Glendale Fire Department Offers the Following
Halloween Safety Tips

As excited children and parents gear up for a much anticipated Halloween night the Glendale Fire Department is reminding families to keep a few things in mind to ensure safety while celebrating the cherished tradition. While decorating your home it’s best to not use candles but rather safe alternatives, such as flash lights, glow sticks and battery operated candles. Decorations for special events such as Halloween accounts for an annual average of 1,000 home fires, most often involving candles, and cause two civilian deaths and $6.8 million in direct property damage.

Children are four times more likely to be struck by a car on Halloween night than any other night of the year. The City of Glendale is promoting the message “Be Safe, Be Seen” and is offering reflective bags for trick or treating and reflective stickers to apply to costumes. These items can be picked up at any of the three city libraries and are free while supplies last. Following these other safety tips will add to the safety of our children on Halloween night;

Motorists

• Be on alert and understand that literally thousands of children are walking around in clothing that may not be too bright.
• Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleyways with caution.

Parents

• Ask your children to walk and not run. We wouldn’t want a princess or pirate to trip and fall.
• Consider bright colors when helping your children select a costume that fits.
• Remain on well-lit streets and use sidewalks. Remind children to use crosswalks after looking both ways.