As families get ready to enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating and community events that Halloween brings every year, the Gallup Fire Department would like to remind all those who will be celebrating the holiday of a few easy tips to make the night as fun and safe as possible.

Remember when choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.

Halloween would not be complete without a jack-o-lantern, but consider using a flashlight or battery-operated candle as the safest way of illuminating your creation. For those who use real candles, be very careful and make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. Candles inside pumpkins should be lit with long, fireplace-style matches or utility lighters.

Lit jack-o-lanterns should be kept well away from anything that can burn, and as with all other decorations, should be kept out of the way of trick-or-treaters as well as doorsteps, walkways and exits. All decorations should be kept away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Decorations are the first thing to catch fire in approximately 900 reported home fires every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association, with two of every five of these fires started by a candle.

The Gallup Fire Department wishes everyone a happy, fire-safe Halloween. For any safety questions, please call the department at (505) 726-5448.