• 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.  
     
    Fires Caused by Decorations:
    • From 2017–2021 there was an average of 790 home structure fires that began with decorations per year. 
    • These fires caused an annual average of 4 civilian fire deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries, and $14 million in direct property damage.
    • Nearly half (48%) 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.
    Safety Tips:
    • Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween decorations.
    • When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
    • Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
    • Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles in them.
    • Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters.
    • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.   

  • Other Safety Tips to Consider:

  • Children should:
    • Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
    • Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
    • Know their phone number and carry coins for emergency telephone calls.
    • Have their names and addresses attached to their costumes.
    • Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
    • Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
    When walking in neighborhoods, they should
    • Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
    • Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
    • Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
    • Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
    • Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can obstruct a child’s vision.)
    • Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
    • Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
    • Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
  • Parents and adults should:
    • Supervise the outing for children under age 12.
    • Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
    • Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
    • Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
    • Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it.
    • Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters
    • Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
    • Drive slowly.
    • Watch for children in the street and on medians.
    • Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
    • Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
    • And a few tips about pumpkins:
    • Carve pumpkins on stable, flat surfaces with good lighting.
    • Have children draw a face on the outside of the pumpkin, then parents should do the cutting.
    • Place lighted pumpkins away from curtains and other flammable objects, and do not leave lighted pumpkins unattended.