Halloween is tomorrow, and with all the festive decorations and kids dressed in costumes running from door to door trick-or-treating, it’s no wonder why it’s such a fun holiday! Unfortunately, holiday decorations and activities can create fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. In fact, according to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations are usually one of the first things to ignite in home fires. And more than one-third of those fires were started by a candle. But by planning ahead, and using these simple fire safety precautions, you can help ensure your holiday remains spooky and fun for you and your little monsters!
Top Halloween Fire Safety Tips
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. 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.
- When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
- Teach 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.)
- 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
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
- If you and / or your children are going to Halloween parties, be sure to look for ways out of the home and plan how to safely evacuate in the event of a fire emergency.
For more information about Halloween safety, please visit The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
