October is known as fire prevention month for first responders across the country.
According to Terre Haute’s assistant fire chief, Norm Loudermilk, this is when firefighters start to focus on the holiday season.
“I don’t know if we necessarily see an increase in calls overall but we see different types of injuries,” Loudermilk said.
Loudermilk says one of the holiday’s that has potential fire risks is Halloween.
“There’s open flames for decorations, for Jack-o-lanterns, and even lanterns that go down your sidewalk,” Loudermilk said.
Another risk associated with Halloween is costumes.
Loudermilk says although many costumes are made of fire-friendly material, the possibility for injury is still there, especially for loose fitting costumes.
“Some of the material that we have is synthetic so it may have a fire retardant chemical that’s on it. That helps reduce the fact that it won’t burst into flames but what it does is it’s still going to melt,” Loudermilk said.
Melted material touching your skin could lead to serious injuries.
“Some of those burns could be third degree burns, full-thickness burns,” Loudermilk said.
Loudermilk says one way to prevent fire related injuries during Halloween and the rest of the holiday season is to not use open flames.
“We would like for you, if you, to get the battery operated candles. It’s a little safer and it obviously won’t catch fire. During Halloween we have a lot of combustible materials,” Loudermilk said.
Loudermilk also says it’s important to not overload circuits when putting up lighting for Halloween.
