STORIES GO HERE---------------------->

Insurance

and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine urges

parents and children to keep safety in mind this

Halloween.

"While

fun to look at, candles and paper decorations can be a

dangerous combination," Oxendine said.

"Everybody wants to enjoy the fun, but remember to

keep some fire safety tips in mind while

celebrating."

Here are

some safety tips:

� Keep matches, candles and lighted

jack-o-lanterns out of the reach of small children, and

away from flammable materials such as draperies,

furniture, and paper decorations.

Costumes should be made of

fire-resistant material, and should not restrict the

child's ability to see or to move freely. Instead of a

mask, consider using makeup, which will allow children to

see and breathe easier.

Choose costume colors that can

easily be seen in the dark, or use reflective tape on the

costume or trick or treat bag.

Since children who are

unfamiliar with your property will be visiting in the

dark, remove anything, such as lawn equipment, that might

cause an accident. Remember, your homeowner's policy

should be reviewed regularly, preferably during the

annual renewal period.

In addition

to ensuring you are adequately covered for property

damage from storm, fires and theft, make sure you have

adequate liability coverage to protect you in the event

of a visitor, such as a trick-or-treater, is injured on

your property.

Adults should keep watch

over children who go trick-or-treating. "Close

parental supervision can avoid most of the hazards of

Halloween," Oxendine said.

Make sure your home has

enough smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher. These items

an help make your home safe year round.

<!--

-----------