The latest data from the United States Fire Administration shows that there are 10,300 fires during the three-day period around Halloween. These fires result in approximately 25 deaths, 125 injuries and $83 million in property loss.

The Spalding County Fire Department urges our community to be safer during Halloween by sharing a few fire safety tips with residents:

• Choose a costume without long trailing fabric. This can cause a child to trip or may touch flames in jack-o’-lanterns or other decorations.
• If you make your own costume, use materials that won’t catch on fire easily if they come in contact with heat or flame.
• Give your children flashlights or glow sticks so they can see where they are walking.
• Keep decorations away from candles, light bulbs or heaters.
• Consider using flameless candles or glow sticks in your jack-o’-lantern.
• Keep exits clear of decorations.

For additional information, call the Spalding County Fire Department at 770-228-2129.