The Premier of Ontario has declared a province-wide state of emergency and issued a stay-at-home order in response to rising COVID-19 variant infection rates.
Be sure that everyone knows your home escape plan.
If you are hosting a party for the “ghosts and goblins” in your home, arrange a meeting place outside your home in the event of a fire.
If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them ask the host about their home escape plan so they can plan how to get out safely in an emergency.
Keep exits clear of decorations. Ensure nothing blocks your escape routes in the event of a fire.
Keep dried flowers, cornstalks and other decorations away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
Instead of candles in carved pumpkins and other Halloween decorations choose safer alternatives for lighting like battery-operated candles, flashlights, and glow sticks.
If you must use candles, never leave them unattended and keep them well away from children, pets, and anything that can burn.
Extension cords are for temporary use only. Use the right one for the job -- there are special extension cords rated for outdoor use.
Never overload electrical outlets by plugging in too many plugs – use an approved power bar.
Teach children their home address and phone number and how to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Costumes:
Choose or make Halloween costumes (including wigs and props) from materials labelled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Avoid billowing or long-trailing features.
Make sure that children know to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothing does catch fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames).
Provide children with lightweight battery-operated flashlights or glowsticks to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.