Staying Safe on Halloween
Halloween is a time for fun and spooky celebrations and activities, but it can also be a time for some truly scary fire safety hazards. As the holiday nears, take simple precautions that can help ensure the holiday remains fun and fire safe. Fire and safety tips from the N.F.P.A. (National Fire Protection Agency):
Home fires caused by decorations:
- From 2019–2023 there was an average of 832 home structure fires that began with decorations per year. These fires caused an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 28 civilian fire injuries, and $17 million in direct property damage.
- Nearly half (47%) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.
- Approximately one-third (33%) of these fires were started by candles.
Be Halloween Safe:
- When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
- 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.
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick 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.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
- 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.)
The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.


