Join NCC Fire at their 2nd Annual Station 89 Open House, located at 11833 Tammy Way in Alta Sierra. This event is put on by the Alta Sierra Property Owners Association, is free to attend and family friendly.  It is also the last Pink Patch Event of the year - we hope to see you there!

 COSTUME SAFETY

• If wearing a mask, make sure the child can see out of it.
• When choosing costumes, be sure to stay away from costumes with long, trailing fabric which can easily be not only a fire hazard, but a tripping hazard as well.  
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume so they are visible to others.

DECORATION SAFETY

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Halloween decorations such as crepe paper and cornstalks are highly flammable. Make sure to keep all decorations away from open flames and heat sources.
• Instead of utilizing a candle, use a battery operated candle or glow stick inside a jack-o-lantern.
• Keep an eye on children at all times around candles that are lit. If using a candle, light the candles use long, fireplace style matches or a utility lighter.
• Teach children to stay away from any open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles in them.
• Do not block any exits with holiday decorations.
• Make sure all smoke alarms in your house are working.

SAFETY WHILE TRICK-OR-TREATING

• Stay in a group while trick-or-treating.
• Look both ways before crossing any streets.
• Do not let your children eat treats before inspecting each piece of candy.
• Wear bright colors or use reflective tape so you are visible to vehicles.

DID YOU KNOW?

Per the National Fire Protection Association:

• From 2017–2021 there was an average of 790 home structure fires that began with decorations per year. These fires caused an annual average of 4 civilian fire deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage.
• Nearly half (48%) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.
• Approximately one-third (33%) of these fires were started by candles.

EXTENSION CORD SAFETY

Extension cords come in many shapes, sizes, and load ratings. A good first step is making sure that the extension cord being used is rated for outdoor use because they are rated for the weather conditions they may be exposed to. Also check any extension cords being used to see if they are frayed along the length of them, exposing the internal electrical wiring, or if they have any broken cord ends. Missing grounding blades on male cord ends can be common, especially with older, regularly used cords, and can therefore create an additional electrical shock risk. Damaged extension cords should always be taken out of service and never patched with a “band-aid” of electrical tape. Extension cords should also be routed in a way that they do not provide tripping hazards to those trick-or-treaters that come onto your property.

IMPORTANCE OF ONLY UTILIZING RATED & LISTED PRODUCTS

Homeowners should ensure that they are buying products that are listed by qualified testing laboratories, such as UL or Intertek, among others. This means that the product has been put through a level of testing that, when used based upon their listing, will be safer for consumers to utilize. Be mindful of electrical safety!