Halloween Fire Safety Tips

Be Halloween safe! Halloween is such a spook-tacular time for both adults and children. Although it is such a fun time, there are threats of fire that can become truly scary.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 800 home fires occur each year and begin with decorations that ignite. More than 2 of every 5 of these were due to decorations being too close to a heat source, like a candle. And in fact, candles started more than one third of the fires started!

Here’s a message from NFPA, and what they recommend!

Like the NFPA, it is our mission to help you take precautions and prevent a tragedy from happening to yourself and those you care for. We want this Halloween to be filled with good memories to last a lifetime. Here’s how to ensure your Halloween goes as planned:

10 Trick or Treat & Halloween Safety Tips

1. When it comes to costumes, make sure the fabric is not too long. We don’t want anyone to trip or get caught. If wearing a mask, be sure you can see out of it and are able to breathe ok with it on.

2. Children’s Halloween costumes should be Flame Resistant. Homemade costumes should be constructed in fabrics made of polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to fire.

3. Always carry a flashlight or glowsticks so you can see when walking, and so cars can see you as well.

4. Keep decorations away from any flames or heat sources (light bulbs or heaters). Be aware of any highly flammable decorations such as dried flowers, cornstalks, or crepe paper as these may easily ignite

5. Opt for safe decorations as much as possible. Replace candles for those that are battery-operated or use glowsticks

6. If you must use a candle, like in a jack-o-lantern be sure to light it with long, fire-place style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place these away from trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkway and yards

7. Make sure all smoke alarms are working. Remember, only working smoke alarms can save your life

8. Go with your kids or plan a route with your children so you know where they plan to be, and when they plan to return. As another good rule of thumb, always remind them never to go inside a stranger’s home.

9. If children are attending Halloween parties, they need to know how to access the room for an escape and fire dangers. They should be knowledgeable from creating family escape plans

10. Lastly, be prepared with fire extinguishers like STOP-FYRE® in your home. Don’t have a reliable extinguisher? Or know how many you need for your home? Call us today at 800-586-1639 and we can have your local fire safety expert help you.

Happy Halloween from our family to yours!

Want more Halloween safety tips? Check out this video to learn more.

Order your STOP-FYRE ® fire extinguishers today.