Halloween safety

Holiday decorating is not just for Christmas anymore 

Crisp air, colorful leaves and Jack-O-Lanterns guarding front yards can only mean one thing; holiday decorating season has arrived.

According to a survey conducted this year by the National Retail Federation (NRF), Halloween is the unofficial beginning of an extended holiday decorating season. Americans are expected to spend a record $5.07 billion on costumes, cards, candy and home or yard décor for the chilling holiday.

Joey and Jennifer Pruitt of Griffin, Ga., are among the more than 63 million Americans, according to the NRF, who deck the halls for Halloween.

This fall marks the second year that the Pruitts have strung more than 11,000 lights that dance to the morbid melody of Halloween music. For about 15 minutes, passersby can watch the two-story house light up with orange, white and purple lights that flash in sync to popular Halloween songs that blast from outdoor speakers. Patrons can even help the Pruitts celebrate the season by contributing a donation in a secured collection box to help fund a non-profit organization that benefits less-fortunate children. (Click here to see the light show.)

"We do it for charity to raise money for Angel Tree Kids," Joey Pruitt said. "I think it's great how this decorating with lights thing is taking off. More and more people are starting to hang lights for holidays other than Christmas."

The period from October to January may seem to be the most festive time of year, but it yields the greatest number of structure fires caused by open flame, according to the U.S. National Fire Administration. Structure open flame fires on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day, on average, were 70 percent higher than the relative increase of these types of fires on any other day.

Because of this increased risk, UL, an independent safety testing organization, reminds people to take a moment during the midst of all the holiday revelry and practice a few safety precautions before, during and after their celebrations.

"Oftentimes when we're decorating for Halloween or a holiday party, we don't think of the potential dangers that can start a house fire," said John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager for UL. "Overturned candles, frayed wires and other electrical mishaps can easily start a fire that will ruin your Halloween."

According to the U.S. National Fire Administration, because of the increased use of candles over the three day period between Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, open flame fires increase by 50 percent.

"Halloween is the fifth highest day for candle fires," Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications at the National Fire Protection Association, said. "The number of candle fires reported on this day alone closely follows Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day and New Year's Eve."

Whether stringing lights for Halloween or Christmas, Drengenberg reminds consumers to carefully inspect their holiday decorations before putting them up.

"Damaged or misused electric light strings and extension cords, if left unchecked before you put them up, can deliver shocks and potentially ignite," Drengenberg said. "If they are damaged or have frayed wires, you should buy new ones. They are relatively cheap and incredibly good insurance for keeping your holiday season safe."

Drengenberg also reminds consumers to look for the holographic UL Mark on light strings and electrical decorations. The UL Mark means that UL engineers have tested samples of the product for safety hazards. The organization also certifies lights for indoor or outdoor use.

Light strings intended for indoor-only use have green holographic UL Marks, while those intended for both indoor and outdoor use have red holographic UL Marks.

With the majority of house fires occurring over night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to the NFPA, it is vital to turn off lighting decorations and blow out candles before falling asleep.

When conjuring up a sweet surprise for party guests, Drengenberg says consumers should practice cooking safety.

"Kitchen fires are the most common type of household fire," Drengenberg says. "A good rule of thumb is to always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and never leave pots unattended."

Another major source of home fires is candles.

Candles were the number one heat source for the majority of the 17,200 house fires reported in 2004. That year, the popular household item caused an estimated 200 deaths, 1,540 injuries and $200 million in direct property damage, according to a study conducted last year by the NFPA.

The NFPA also reported December had nearly twice the number of home candle fires of any other average month.

Candles and costumes also may not mix.

Burn incidents are the third-most leading cause of unintentional injuries in kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Before sending youngsters out on the Trick-or-Treat Trail, make sure to purchase costumes that are made from flame-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester, as these specially-marked fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Also, do not place candles in any location where children or pets could knock one over.

"Make certain your child knows to stop, drop and roll in case their costume catches fire," Drengenberg added. "It's much better to have a singed costume than it is to treat burns."

Drengenberg also added that parents should make sure their children are aware of what to do in case a fire starts in their home.

"If your smoke alarm goes off, make sure your child knows what to do by preparing, and practicing, a family fire escape plan," Drengenberg said.