The Newtown Bee is joining with the Newtown fire marshal to encourage Halloween safety.

The fire marshal's office released the following message: "Halloween should be spooky and fun. But it is downright scary when you consider how dangerous it can be, especially for younger participants.

"The good news is: if Halloween revelers of all ages take just a few moments to adopt a few proven safety practices, this haunted holiday will not be an annual reminder of a preventable injury or tragedy.

"According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Halloween is one of the top days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Records compiled by AAA Northeast note that between 1995 and 2021, 55 children were hit by a car while trick-or-treating in Connecticut.

"The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that emergency departments treat roughly 1,400 children’s injuries annually nationwide related to Halloween activities (such as trips, falls, and cuts). And while data shows that traffic/pedestrian accidents pose the highest risk of severe harm, common non-fatal ER visits nationally stem from pumpkin carving (about 55%) and falls or costume trips (about 25%).

"Newtown Fire Marshal Steve Murphy and his staff are also working hard to ensure there are no fire-related emergencies this Halloween, tapping proven safety practices from the National Fire Protection Association.

"Did you know that decorations are the first thing to ignite in more than 800 reported home fires each year? "Nearly one-third of these fires were started by a candle, so consider replacing all live flames with battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns.

"If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit.

"When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

"Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric.

"Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)

"If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out. Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

"Finally, remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes, make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working, and consider maintaining at least one easily accessible home fire extinguisher — just in case.

"Newtown’s fire marshal, his office staff, and all the dedicated volunteers at our five fire departments and ambulance corps want you to have loads of fun this Halloween. Following these simple tips will ensure it is also a safe one for everybody."

The Newtown Bee encourages all to have a safe, happy, healthy Halloween. And in that spooky spirit, don't forget to check out our calendar at newtownbee.com/calendar for fun Halloween events!

Some examples include:

October 24: Sandy Hook Halloween Walk, 11 am-2 pm; Let’s Draw Monsters with Rick Stromoski, 2-3 pm; FUN Halloween Dance, 3-5:30 pm; Not So Spooky Anymore, 3-5 pm; Rocky Horror Picture Show screening with live shadow cast, 7:30-10:30 pm.

October 25: “The Haunting of Edmond Town Hall: A Most Menacing Musical Experience” (Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Newtown series), 2 pm.

October 30: Newtown Senior Center Halloween Party, noon-1:30 pm; The Grand Slambovian Halloween Ball, 7:30-11 pm.

And don't forget Halloween on Main Street on October 31!

For full details on events, see our calendar at newtownbee.com/calendar.