Halloween Safety Tips

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Trick or Treat

The ghost and goblins will be out in full force trick or treating for Halloween. Times have sure changed over the years with local events, trunk or treats and festivals but Halloween night is the official night kids go door to door for candy and fun!

Safety should remain your first focus as children are more than twice likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night than on any other day of the year.  Celebrate your little trick-or treaters but remind them to be safe and follow your instructions.

• Avoid masks – they can obstruct vision.
• Cross streets at crosswalks
• Use reflective tap or stickers on costumes.
• Make sure costumes fit properly to avoid a fall.
• Always dress your kids in flame resistant material
• Avoid homemade treats and inspect all candy before consumption.

Halloween is one of the most fun exciting times for families and children, following these tips can assure your family has a safe and Happy Halloween!

Breast Cancer Awareness

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness

The colors may be changing as we embark on the fall season, but you cannot help but to “Think Pink” this month. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – this health campaign is held each year during to month of October organized by many breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and to raise as many funds as possible to help with research, prevention and hopefully one day a cure!

Breast cancer is most common in women – early detection is key and can save your life. Having a yearly mammogram is your main line of defense as doctors can begin treatment early. Get involved in promoting awareness and sport your pink this month for all the people who are battling this disease. Together we can make a difference. Go Pink!

Halloween Safety

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

Happy Halloween Trick or Treat!

Its almost time for the ghosts and goblins to take over the streets and neighborhoods of every town across the US. We have celebrated the month of October with Fall Festivals, Pumpkin patches and various events to wonderful season falls brings – not to mention the wonderful fall foliage we have experienced here in the South. Children are more than twice likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. .  It’s time to celebrate our little trick- or- treaters but safety first.

• Incorporate glow sticks in your child’s costume and use reflective tape or stickers on their candy bags
• Costumes should be fire-resistant
• Avoid masks – they can obstruct vision
• Cross the street at crosswalks and corners
• Remind kids no eating treats until they get home and their stash is checked

Enjoy this time with your family – Halloween is a magical time of the year for kids – and remember you can always raid their candy bag while they are sleeping!

Happy Halloween

Tax Free Weekend is Here!

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Save your money and shop this weekend!

Are you ready to get your kids back in school?  This is your friendly reminder - this weekend is South Carolina’s Tax-Free weekend event! This event begins Friday – August 6^th through Sunday August 8^th. What does that mean? Well shoppers can save that 6% sales tax on eligible items either in store or online.

Here is a quick list of eligible items you may want to stock up on.

• School supplies
• Clothing and new kicks (shoes)
• Computers and other hardware (printers – ink- external hard drives)
• College Dorm items – towels – Rugs – Sheets – pillows and blankets.

Many families take advantage of this weekend – depending on what items you are looking to purchase – it could amount to a significant savings. So, enjoy the shopping weekend and lets all get excited for the kids heading back to school!

Kimberly Kitchens named Rotarian of the Year for 2019-2020

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Kimberly was recently named the Rotary Club of Newberry’s Rotarian of the Year for 2019-2020. She is pictured with Christina Pomeroy past President

Our very own Kimberly Kitchens was recently recognized as the Rotary Club of Newberry’s Rotarian of the Year for the 2019-2020 year.

“Kimberly is very involved in the Newberry club and community. She joined the Rotary Club and jumped in with both feet, as she does with everything in which she is involved. During her time in Rotary, she has been part of multiple committees, served on the board of directors and has been president of the club,” said Christina Pomeroy, immediate past president. “She is always one to not only say ‘yes’ but to go the extra mile to get it done in record time.”

This year, Kitchens was the club’s Foundation Chair — helping the Rotary Club of Newberry raise money for the Rotary Foundation. She was also the Sponsorship Chair for the anniversary celebration, volunteered during the yard sale fundraiser, helped set up a booth with one days’ notice for the NDDA First Friday in November, got up before dawn to cook food for the Prayer Breakfast, and the list goes on and on.

She is an amazing mentor and truly the embodiment of Rotary’s “Service Above Self” — congratulations Kimberly, our 2020 Rotarian of the Year,” Pomeroy said.

We are so very proud of Kimberly and all she does for the community in which she serves! 

Ambassador Spotlight - Kimberly Kitchens

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Mel and Kimberly Kitchens

Kimberly Kitchens was intereviewd by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce for her service and commitment to her community - get to know your local SERVPRO Ambassador! 

• Where are you from?

"Originally from South Florida. My husband and I were both native Floridians. His family is originally from Augusta. His cousin who is like a brother to him, lives in prosperity on the Lake. Through many vacations on Lake Murray, we came to the realization this was where we knew we wanted to grow old. So, we moved our family up to South Carolina to enjoy Lake Murray."  

• Tell us about your family.

"We have been married for 27 years. We have a daughter, Ashlee, 29, who has graced us with two lovely granddaughters that are 2 and 4. Our son Mel III is 24 and is proud to carry on the family name. He has been an integral part of our business for the last 5 years. "   

• Share a couple of interesting facts about yourself.

"Growing up in South Florida my husband and I both have a love for the water and being outdoors. We love football, always proud to sport our colors: fans of the Miami hurricanes and the Miami dolphins (in good times and in bad)."  

• What do you like about where you work?

"My husband and I are co-owners of the SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens County. Providing restoration services when residences and businesses have water and fire damage. Previously in the transportation industry for 30 years, where we provided a service, we understand the importance of relationships. We have owned our SERVPRO franchise for 7 years and have enjoyed establishing roots in the communities that we serve, taking care of people during their difficult times. We go into our customers' homes and businesses, and they become family and friends. "  

• Tell us about your roles with the Chamber.

"Not being from the community, being involved with the Chamber has been a great opportunity to foster relationships business wise and personally, making Laurens County feel like home. And at the same time has educated me about the organizations that service individuals in the Community and allowed me to offer my time and talent to volunteer to help make a difference."

(Kimberly has served as an Ambassador for 6 years, is a Graduate of Leadership Laurens County Class XIX (2014) and has been involved with the Board of Regents ever since, has served on the Events Committee for the past 4 years, serves on the 100 Club Board, and is currently serving on the Chamber Board of Directors. She was awarded Small Business of the Year 2016, Spirit of the Chamber 2015, and Volunteer of the Year 2013.)

• Why you love Laurens County! 

" The people. They believe in and support one another. "

• Anything else you would like to share?

"Being a graduate of Leadership Laurens County, I am truly excited to be part of having our Class project come to fruition. I am currently the Vice Chair for the Family Promise of Laurens County, creating a homeless shelter for families in Laurens County."  

February is Heart Awareness Month- Love Your Heart

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

One Love - One Heart

February is all about love and hearts. What better way to remind us to take care of our heart than to celebrate American Heart Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about how to prevent it from happening to you.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure is responsible for nearly one and four deaths, and represents the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

Nearly half of all Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, but many don’t recognize the risks or know what to do to minimize the effect on their heart.  This is why heart disease is often referred to as a silent killer. There are many risk factors associated with heart disease and some are uncontrollable, but many can be prevented by a healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Some risk factors for heart disease include a family history, race or ethnicity, age, tobacco use, high cholesterol, obesity caused by an unhealthy diet, physical activity and diabetes.

You can prevent heart disease naturally as there are simple modification that can go a long way in preventing or reversing heart disease. Eat a healthy diet, enjoy foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids – Fish is the best natural source. Incorporate fiber in your diet this helps reduce cholesterol levels.  Maintain a healthy weight -this is one of the most powerful defenses against heart disease.  Get regular exercise – studies show that exercise also helps manage your stress level that’s a two for one deal! Ditch the bad habits - Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are key risk factors in heart disease.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular check-ups from your doctor will help you live a long, loving healthy life!

Take care of your heart!

7 Fun Things to do after Thanksgiving Dinner

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

After Thanksgiving dinner, many families usually head to the living room to relax and watch football games on television. Since quality time with friends and family can be hard to find these days, consider spending the time after dinner creating a new family tradition and making memories.

After you have finished eating the turkey this year, enjoy one of these fun activities together. 

Have a Game Night

When you invite guests to your house for Thanksgiving this year, ask them to bring their favorite board game. 

Be sure that you have games on hand that are appropriate for all ages of kids that will be at your house, including teenagers and preschoolers. After dinner is cleaned up, pull out the games and help everyone find a game to play. You can also do a group game, such as Trivial Pursuit, Charades or Pictionary.

Head Outdoors

Play touch football in the front yard after Thanksgiving dinner." Divide up your guests into teams, clearly communicate the rules and then have fun playing a friendly game of football together.

You could also play a group game of Hide and Seek or Kick-the-Can. If you have a large area, Capture the Flag can also be a lot of fun.
If you are feeling adventurous, head to a nearby or explore local hiking trails together. You can find hiking trails in your area on www.trails.com. You can also take a family walk or bike ride in your neighborhood. Be sure to have guests to bring walking shoes or bicycles when you invite them to dinner.

Create a Family Scrapbook

Have each adult and child bring a few of their favorite family pictures to Thanksgiving dinner. Provide some cardstock, pattern paper, glue sticks, sticker, pens and scissors. Have each person create a scrapbook page using the pictures and write their memories about the picture on the scrapbook page.

When everyone is finished, add the pages to an album. Be sure to include the date and artist on each scrapbook page. Next year, create more scrapbook pages and add to the album each year.

Write Thankful Letters

Have each guest think of one person that they are especially thankful for this year. Hand out pens and paper and encourage your guests to write the person a letter telling them why they are special.
You can include preschoolers in this activity by having them dictate the letter to an adult or an older child. When each person is done, give them an envelope for their letter and a stamp.

Decorate for the Holidays

Consider decorating for the holidays on Thanksgiving evening to include your guests in the festivities. Some families pick out their Christmas tree together on Thanksgiving to decorate later in the weekend. 

Another idea is to make holiday decorations together after dinner. Some simple ideas include paper chains, salt dough ornaments and bead ornaments. When coming up with a project, be sure to include young children who might want to participate and provide alternate crafts if you have guests who celebrate winter holidays other than Christmas.

Volunteer Together

Consider heading to a soup kitchen or food shelter together as a family to help serve meals to other people. 

Another option is to use the time after Thanksgiving dinner for your family to help an elderly neighbor with a special project, such as painting or raking leaves. You can also use the holiday afternoon to organize your own food drive by having each guest to your house bring canned food. Have each guest collect food from their friends and neighbors before Thanksgiving. After dinner, you can take a field trip to the food pantry to deliver the food.

Have a Talent Show

 Kids and the grownups took turns performing talents, such as quoting Shakespeare, singing and playing the violin. Someone can be awarded a trophy for the best performance. 

When you invite guests to your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to let them know ahead of time about the talent show. Encourage everyone, including children, to share their talents. Remind everyone to bring any props or costumes they will need for their performance.

Whatever you do with this down time on Thanksgiving, be sure that you spend the time with your family and friends. In addition to have a good time together, you may find yourself starting traditions that everyone looks forward to throughout the year.

Grilling Tips for a Safe Holiday Weekend

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and incidents of grill-caused fires go up.

Brought to us by our friends at Nationwide, here are some tips to help keep you safe when grilling this Summer.

It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and incidents of grill-caused fires go up. Each year, outdoor grilling causes an average of 8,900 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Gas grills cause more home fires than charcoal grills, the association adds. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 61 percent of households own a gas grill, 41 percent own a charcoal grill and 10 percent own an electric grill.

Regardless of the type of grill you own, here are 9 BBQ safety tips that will keep you and your home safe for barbecuing season:

1. Grill outside and away from any structures

Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, NFPA reports that more than one-quarter (27 percent) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29 percent started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Pay attention to overhanging tree branches when you set up your grill.

2. Make sure your grill is stable

Only set up your grill on a flat surface and make sure the grill can’t be tipped over. Consider using a grill pad or splatter mat underneath your grill to protect your deck or patio.

3. Keep your grill clean

Remove grease or fat buildup from both the grill and the tray below the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to completely cool off before disposing of them in a metal container.

4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill

Before the season’s first barbecue, check the gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose and then turning on the gas. If there is a propane leak, the solution will bubble. Other signs of a propane leak include the smell of gas near the barbecue or a flame that won’t light.

5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light

If you are using a gas grill and the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off, then wait at least five minutes to re-light it.

6. Take care around the grill

Never leave a lit grill unattended. Don’t allow kids or pets to play near the grill. Never try to move a lit or hot grill, and remember the grill will stay hot for at least an hour after use.

7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid

If you use a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. If the fire starts to go out, don’t add any starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Consider using a charcoal chimney starter, which uses newspaper to start the fire instead of starter fluid.

8. Wear the right clothing

Clothing can easily catch fire, so be sure your shirt tails, sleeves or apron strings don’t dangle over the grill.

9. Be ready to put out the fire

Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out grease fire.

These easy-to-follow tips will help you and your family to enjoy a safe summer barbecuing season. For those grilling over an open fire, check out these fire pit do’s and don’ts to keep you and your guests safe.

If you do have a problem, SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens Counties is here to help.

SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens Counties Honors Father's Day

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Father's Day to all our dads. Thanks for all you do!

Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd thought that it might be nice to honor fathers. Her father, William Smart, had raised his SIX children alone on his farm in Washington after his wife died giving birth to their sixth child.

Mrs. Dodd proposed to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA that they celebrate a “father’s day.” She chose the 5th of June because it was her father’s birthday. 

The idea received strong support, but the good ministers of Spokane asked that the day be changed to give them extra time to prepare sermons on the unexplored subject of fathers.

The first Father’s Day in Spokane, Washington, was observed on June 19, 1910 (the third Sunday in June), and became an annual event there. Soon, other towns had their own celebrations.

Although the Fairmont service was the first known to honor fathers, it did not turn into an annual event, nor was the idea promoted.

Finally, in 1972, when President Richard Nixon was president, Father’s Day was signed a law declaring that it be celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. It has been an official, permanent national holiday ever since.

Father’s Day Quotes

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
Clarence Budington Kelland, American writer (1881-1964), about his father

“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”
–Umberto Eco, Italian novelist (1932-2016)

“My father will leave me nothing to do.”
–A young Alexander the Great, future king of Macedonia (356-323 B.C.)

“A father is a treasure; a brother, a comfort; a friend is both.”
–Benjamin Franklin, American statesman (1706-1790)

“His heritage to his children wasn’t words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his example as a man and a father.”
–Will Rogers, Jr. (1879–1935)

“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”
–Unknown

No matter how you choose to celebrate the fathers in your life make it a safe holiday. If you choose to use the grill remember proper safety techniques. A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren’t considered.

The SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens Counties wants to wish all our dads a “Happy Father’s Day”, thanks for all you do for your families.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

May is Skin Cancer Awareness use this information to help spread awareness.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma.

The good news? Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early — even melanoma. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to prevent skin cancer or detect it early on.

This May, spread the word about strategies for preventing skin cancer and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

How can Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month make a difference?

We can use this month to raise awareness about skin cancer and help people take action to prevent or detect it, both at home and in the community.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Encourage families to adopt good habits together, like wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and limiting their time in the sun.
• Motivate teachers and administrators to teach kids about the harm of UV radiation and why it’s important to protect yourself.
• Identify youth leaders in your community who can talk to their peers about taking steps to prevent skin cancer.
• Partner with a local hospital, state fair, or similar organization to host a skin cancer screening event.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

• Add information about skin cancer prevention to your newsletter.
• Tweet about Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.
• Host a community event where families can learn how to prevent skin cancer.

Important Business Lessons from Winnie The Pooh

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

Winnie the Pooh is a children’s classic tale about a honey – loving bear and his adventures with Christopher Robin.

National Winnie the Pooh Day is January 18.

Winnie the Pooh is a children’s classic tale about a honey – loving bear and his adventures with Christopher Robin. Generations of kids and adults have been inspired by the lovable bear and his friends. In honor of National Winnie the Pooh Day here are some quotes that can be used by every business owner and their employees.

“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Listen to the customer, no really listen to the customer. Sometimes we feel like we have been doing this for so long and we know exactly what the customer will say. You might be right but by listening to what the customer has to say you can address their concern and you might learn additional information that could either help with other services or offer additional insight.

“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Persistence will eventually be rewarded. Everyone has heard the old adage patience is a virtue. Unfortunately it is one that not many of us have. It’s easy to write someone off after the third or fourth time you’ve taken the time to quote a job only for the customer to not call you back. When the right time comes or after a few mishaps with less experienced companies the customer will be ready to invest in you. 

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

There is a reason why people like to say keep it simple. Customers and potential partners like to feel comfortable with what you are doing especially if they are paying a lot of money for the service. In the office our professionals often talk about the dehuge but in front of customers we always use the proper name of dehumidifier. If you use industry jargon it can be difficult for the customer to understand what you are doing and have the faith that it is being done correctly.

“You never can tell with bees.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Customers can be fickle and every single one of them is different. Stay in touch with your customers and keep a finger on the pulse. If you notice your customers are asking about a facebook page and you don’t have one, you should consider getting one today. We like to stay on top of recent trends in the industry and up on the latest advances on technology to stay relevant to our customer base. The quicker and less painful you can make the process for the customer the happier they will be.

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Marketing is one of the very best tools you can have in your business. One of the benefits of being a franchise owner is that SERVPRO has a whole arsenal of marketing collateral for you to use. Not only do they provide national advertising but they provide the tools for you to market your business locally. If you haven’t been taking advantage of what is currently available we encourage you to do so for 2018.

A Safe Thanksgiving is a Happy Thanksgiving

11/18/2017 (Permalink)

Putting too much oil in the fryer or dropping in a frozen or partially thawed turkey lead to most turkey fryer fires.

As you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends and family, at SERVPRO we want to help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire hazards.

According to data from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA,  an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries, and $21 million in property loss each year. The leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is cooking.

The USFA recommends the following tips to keep your holiday safe.

• Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.
• Keep a close watch on your cooking. You should never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep oven food packaging and other combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
• Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
• Don't wear loose sleeves while working over hot stove burners - they can melt, ignite or catch on handles of pots and pans spilling hot oil and other liquids.
• Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove and areas where hot foods or drinks are prepared or carried.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

Thanksgiving just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the turkey.  And deep-fried turkey has become a favorite Thanksgiving tradition in many households.  But if used improperly, an overloaded fryer can easily tip over and set an entire house ablaze.  USFA offers the following helpful tips to backyard chefs who plan to deep-fry a turkey for Thanksgiving:

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
• Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

Newberry and Lauren County Residents: Tips for a safe Halloween

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

If you choose to use candle decorations, make sure to keep them well attended at all times.

Children dressed in costumes excitedly running door to door to trick-or-treat, festive decorations like glowing jack-o-lanterns, paper ghosts and dried cornstalks adorning front porches – these are some of the classic hallmarks of Halloween that make the holiday special for kids and adults alike.

Unfortunately, these Halloween symbols and activities can also present lurking fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. But by planning ahead, you can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions can help ensure your holiday remains festive and fun!

Halloween by the numbers

• From 2009-2013, decorations were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 860 reported home structure fires per year.
• Nearly half of decoration fires in homes occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source.
• These fires caused an estimated average of one civilian death, 41 civilian injuries and $13 million in direct property damage per year.
• Forty-one percent of these incidents were started by candles; one-fifth began in the living room, family room, or den.

Improve the safety of your Halloween by following these tips from NFPA:

-Costumes: When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long-trailing fabric. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame.

-Visibility: Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he/she can see clearly out of it.

-Flammable decorations: Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

-Candles/jack-o-lanterns: It is safest to use a glow stick or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. If you choose to use candle decorations, make sure to keep them well attended at all times. Do not leave them near flammable objects or where trick-or-treaters may walk. Remind your children to avoid open flames. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit.

- Exits: Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

Source: NFPA Fire Analysis & Research Division