Statement issued Wednesday:

The Indiana State Fire Marshal wants you and your children to stay safe this Halloween. The following are safety tips about fire, haunted houses and other attractions.

"Ensuring costumes are labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant is a simple fire safety precaution that Hoosiers can do to make sure Halloween remains a safe holiday," said Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson.

Fire safety concerns are often unique at haunted houses and other venues typically visited during this time of year. To help parents and children have a safe and fun Halloween, Greeson encourages following these safety tips:

Haunted Houses, corn mazes and other venues

• Make sure the attraction has been inspected. If a sticker indicating inspection is not visible, ask the owner to see a copy.
• Ensure there is enough lighting around doorways, walkways, and any figures in the attraction.
• Locate all exits before entering; all exits should be clearly marked.
• Do not run! Please follow any direction the operator of the attraction gives you.

Costumes

• Buy only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your own costumes, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. Avoid using billowing or long trailing features.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so their vision is not obstructed.
• Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.

Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.