Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Encourages Safe Halloween Celebrations and Issues Reminder to Change Batteries This Weekend

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay is encouraging everyone to play it safe this Halloween. He's also reminding citizens to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting clocks back one hour this weekend.

"A few small yet smart things can make a big difference," Solobay said. "Be careful when celebrating Halloween with family and friends, and smoke detectors are proven to be one of the cheapest investments to potentially save the lives of the ones you love."

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are 10,300 fires during the three-day period around Halloween. Across the country, these fires cause about 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million in property loss.

The following safety tips are recommended:

• Choose a costume without long trailing fabric. This can cause a child to trip or may touch flames in jack-o'-lanterns or other decorations.
• If you make your own costume, use materials that won't catch on fire easily if they come in contact with heat or flame.
• Give your children flashlights or glow sticks so they can see where they are walking.
• Keep decorations away from candles, light bulbs or heaters.
• Consider using flameless candles or glow sticks in your jack-o'-lantern.
• Keep exits clear of decorations.

Solobay also reminds everyone to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when changing clocks Saturday night.

"Smoke alarms save lives, but they can't protect us if they don't work," Solobay said. "Thirty percent of all smoke alarms installed in homes do not work because of worn or missing batteries. Spending a few minutes to protect your loved ones is time well spent."

Media contacts:

Cory Angell: 717-651-2169; [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner