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Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Office of the Fire Marshal |
Ministère de la Sécurité
communautaire et des Services correctionnels |
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Place Nouveau Building 7th Floor 5775 Yonge Street North York ON M2M 4J1 Telephone 416-325-3100 Facsimile: 416-325-3162 |
Édifice Place Nouveau |
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For Immediate Release
Attention News & Assignment Editors
Toronto (October 30, 2007) – To
minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries from arson and other activities that
may involve open flames, the Fire Marshal of Ontario is urging Ontario families
to focus on fire prevention and safety as they prepare for Halloween this year.
Provincial data from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) indicate fires have
increased slightly on October 30 and 31 in the last five years (2001-2005),
compared to other days. Specifically in the days leading up to Halloween, there
were an average of 40 fires per day. On October 30 and 31, there were 54 fires
per day. Although this does not indicate a trend, the increase is due to
arson-related fires.
“It is essential to prevent fire from occurring,” says Ontario Fire Marshal Pat
Burke. “Ontarians should ensure leaves and other combustible debris are cleaned
up around homes so that fire has no place to start. It’s also a good idea to
keep car doors locked, install motion detector lighting around properties and
ensure that everyone, including children, know to call 9-1-1 or their local
emergency number, if there is an emergency.”
In addition to these recommendations, everyone is urged to use caution when
using open flames as they continue to pose a concern for the Ontario fire
service. All candles should be kept away from combustible objects such as
costumes and out of reach of young children and pets.
To keep families safe from fire this Halloween, the OFM has developed a
Halloween Safety Tips sheet geared to children,
adults and home safety. Some of the important tips include wearing bright and
reflective costumes for children, adults accompanying children as they
trick-or-treat and using small flashlight candles for use in jack-o'-lanterns.
To get more information about Halloween fire safety, visit
www.ofm.gov.on.ca and download the
Halloween Safety Tips sheet.
Halloween Safety Tips
From the Office of the Fire Marshal
Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children. But make
this Halloween a treat, and don’t be tricked by hidden dangers! Here are a few
fire safety tips to help make Halloween night safe and enjoyable for the whole
family.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN
The best costumes are light coloured or bright and reflective. Keep costumes short to avoid tripping and falling. Minimize the risk of contact with candles or other ignition sources by avoiding baggy pants, loose frills, or billowing skirts.
Give every child a flashlight with fresh batteries. Remind them of traffic safety rules, and that they should cross streets at corners and never cross between parked cars.
Make sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number if they experience an emergency.
Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face with hands, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.
SAFETY TIPS FOR ADULTS
Be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety rules when crossing the street.
Appoint a designated driver if you attend adult Halloween parties.
Accompany children when they go out trick-or-treating.
SAFETY AT HOME
Consider using only battery-powered lanterns, flashing lights or chemical light sticks instead of candles in decorations.
Small flashlight candles are the safest for use in jack-o'-lanterns. If you must use a candle, try a tea light or votive candle in a non-combustible holder. Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Place candlelit jack-o'-lanterns on sturdy tables, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave them unattended.
Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes can brush against the flame.
Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with holiday lighting or special effects. Keep exit doors unblocked. Replace bulbs on outdoor lights. Check that the batteries in your smoke alarms work.
Keep pets safe by ensuring they stay away from the door. Do not let them outside.
Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Copyright 2007
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For more information or to request an interview with the Deputy
Fire Marshal, please contact:
Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178
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