Halloween, candles, jack-o-lanterns it's that time of year to raise our self-awareness to avoid a home fire.

It's that time of year again.

During the Holiday season, the potential for a house fire is increased with candles as one of the main causes. It is a busy time of year, an exciting one for the kids which may raise the chances of a mishap.  With a few precautions, the fire threat may be reduced for each holiday, with Halloween a week away here are a few tips to make it safe:

* While celebrating Halloween flame retardant materials are the best choice for making costumes, it takes quite an effort to burn some of these materials. None will burst into flames when close to an open flame. Avoid costumes with long flowing fabric or numerous tattered ends.

* Costumes that cover the head must have the ability for the wearer to see, ensure the eye holes are large and easily seen through. The hearing is every bit as important as well, be certain the headpiece is designed with ear holes that are not covered with heavy fabric or other materials.

* Pumpkins can be illuminated with the use of artificial candles or solar lights, one advantage is they won't be blown out with a breeze or slight rain. Avoid candles with flames, there is really no need to use them. But if candles are used supervise children at all times, use long stemmed matches to light the candle, a utility lighter is a good choice as well. Jack-O-Lanterns look great on the front steps as trick or treaters approach the entry, but that is not a good place for one with an open flame. Keep them out of the way of the kids, off to the side of the steps, placement on the lawn is a poor spot, as is anywhere the children may be able to approach them.

* Flashlights should be carried by everyone going door to door, water resistance or better yet waterproof products are an excellent choice, Halloween is rained on often.

To see and be seen is the goal on Halloween.

* The Decorations we use during the haunted night invite combustion, straw scarecrows, bunting made of dried cornstalks, dried flowers, and crepe paper are all highly flammable. Keep them a distance from not only open flames include heaters, and light bulbs on that list as well.

* Exit routes are important also, be certain all avenues out of the house are clear, with a smoke-filled house avoidance of lit candles is something most of us would rather not contend with. Keep all escape routes clear, don't block doors from the outside, and don't create trip hazards. If cords must be run across walking paths, whether indoors or out, tape them to the floor with duct tape making sure they cannot be snagged by the toe of a shoe.

* Smoke alarms need to be looked at, it is custom for us to change the battery on New Years Day, it's a good thing to do. It takes a minute or two to stop and check each one in the house, while we're at it the CO2 monitor needs checking as well.

* Instruct the kids on what to do if they catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll, practice the procedure until they know it well.

I have caught on fire, it is a confusing thing to take place, I was accidentally doused with gasoline, it's a long story. I walked past a smudge pot (it's a diesel-fueled heater used in orchards to raise the air temperature.) the flame leaped 4 feet and pow I was on fire. It's easy to panic, I have been around a lot of fires but being on fire is a totally different experience. My co-worker grabbed me and rolled me in the dirt, most likely saving me from serious burns, I was not injured.

Let's take a look at candles:

* Make it your job to be the last one to bed, on your way blow out all of the candles throughout the house, the wax will burn when the temperature rises to the correct level and it happens quickly. (That has also happened to me) Pets have been known to knock them over, people getting up in the middle of the night have done so as well.

* Candles must be kept a minimum of 1 foot from any flammable materials, measure with the candle laying down, clear the space 1 foot from the wick all of the ways around the center point. Avoid placing them on railings that may allow them to drop down a stairwell or into a dry yard.

* Wide based are best, a low center of gravity will offer more stability making tipping over more difficult. Be certain they are not flimsy and rest on or in a secure holder free from clutter and debris. Keep them away from the candy dish and loose wrappers.

* Light them carefully, long hair, drooping costumes, and loose clothing need to be paid particular attention to.

* Don't burn them all of the ways down to the holder or the base, the melted wax at the bottom may very well ignite.

* Candles should never be used if an oxygen tank is in use. Pure oxygen penetrates fabrics taking up the spaces between the threads causing an extreme fire potential, one spark and the material will light rapidly with no time to get out of the garment. Cotton is bad, but the blended materials are worse due to consisting of nylon, and other synthetic highly flammable material, they basically melt into the skin.

* Be ready with plenty of batteries, lanterns, and flashlights to be used in case of an electrical outage, don't use candles for light. Most of us have a few lights set up year-round for power interruptions, check them for batteries and that they operate. Keep them in a spot that is easy to get to and it's a good idea to make that their permanent year-round home.

* Never leave lit candles and children at home together alone,  the potential for disaster is immense. We hear about tragic incidences every year relating to kids starting home fires when home alone with lighted candles, just avoid it. Don't make it known where the matches are kept, preferably up high or in a locked cabinet.

* Micro-waved popcorn is fine, avoid allowing children to prepare foods on the range top if an adult is not available to supervise. Hot oil, a hot stove top, and children playing nearby is a catastrophe' in the making. Adults unwittingly cause stovetop fires often, and we're the ones that are supposed to know what we are doing. Let's not place our kids in that position, it could affect them the rest of their lives.

Here are a few eye-openers:

First, the peak month for home fires started by candles is the month of December, it's also the peak of our holiday season.

Next, it is surprising to me that 33% of home fires are caused in the bedroom, many by candles, a very good reason to test the smoke alarm just outside the bedroom door.

Last more than 1/2 of all candle fires start because they are set too close to flammable materials.

A single burning candle. 

Candles are pretty and fun to watch when lit, with just a few precautions we are able to make them safe also, the safest position for them to be in is to not be lit. That's a little too much to ask, total avoidance is not a necessity as with everything else in life moderation is best. A few minutes before retiring for the evening making sure all of the flames are out, the matches are securely put away, and instructing the children of the dangers all go a long way in keeping this a safe Halloween.

Thanks for reading and sharing my blog, Halloween is a lot of fun, the kids get excited about the costumes, and most of the time it is 100% tragedy free. it is prudent to remind ourselves of the inherent dangers that are present. Raising our awareness is healthy, when we go in with our eyes wide open we are at the advantage.

Reminder: we set our clocks back on the First Sunday of November, that is one week from this weekend. My daylight savings blog will be posted shortly before that date.

Thanks again jacquesandkate  emergencykitsplus.com