Submitted by Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue
Ty Silcok, Chief
October 28, 2015 12:33 p.m.
The Fernandina Beach Fire Department along with the National Fire Protection Association wishes to encourage all adults and children to have a safe Halloween by following a few safety tips during the busy nighttime event.
• Children should always go trick-or- treating with a responsible adult.
• If you will not be going trick-or-treating with your children, make sure you know which streets they will be visiting, and provide a cell phone so they can check in with you.
• Children should use flashlights or glow sticks while trick-or-treating.
• Have children stay together as a group and walk from house to house together.
• Make trick-or-treating a “no running” event so they do not fall and get hurt while having fun.
• Make sure your child is aware of how to cross streets in a safe manner. Look left, right and left again to make sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street. Use cross walks where available.
• Determine the time that your children will begin trick-or-treating, and the time that they will return.
• Make sure no items are eaten until they have been brought home and inspected by an adult.
With the time change occurring this weekend, the Fernandina Beach Fire Department is encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms, change the batteries and if your smoke alarms are older than 10 years, replace with new ones.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. If you have any questions on where smoke alarms should be installed, call or visit your local fire department for advice. Following the above suggestions will promote a safer and enjoyable Halloween.