We all know Jack, He's a mischievous pumpkin that invites little ghouls and goblins out on All Hallows Eve to trick and treat. Many lawns and porches are adorned with extravagant Halloween decorations, tombstones, and many jack-o-lanterns with candles inside.
Jack is focused on fun and creepy costumes, endless treats and spooky decorations. He often forgets about Halloween fire safety. The Commission on Fire Prevention and Control from Connecticut State reports fire departments responded to 11,640 home structure fires that were started by candles. Decorations were the first item ignited in over 1,000 home fires per year in Connecticut alone (source).
Halloween Fire Safety Tips 2023
Stay away from fire
Halloween has a lot more candles, torches, lanterns, and other open flames so it is important to be aware and take precautions. Use extreme caution when choosing a costume. Some are made with billowing or long trailing fabric that can be very flammable. Look for material that won't easily ignite. Stay away from open flames and other heat sources and have a Happy Halloween.
Keep decorations away from open flames
Many decorations are made from cornstalks, dried flowers, crepe paper, and other flammable materials. Decorations are often the first item to catch fire and cause millions of dollars in direct property damage expenses.
Battery-operated options
Using flashlights, glow sticks, lamps and battery powered lanterns instead of using a real candle are fire safety precautions that go a long way. Children with flashlights are also more visible in dusk!
Smoke alarms
Now is the perfect time to make sure your smoke alarms are working. With more decorations and fog machines, it can be even harder to spot fire. Test your smoke detectors and keep the batteries plugged in. With so many decorations, candles and other possible ignition sources, Halloween safety is even more important!
More Halloween safety tips
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has more Halloween Fire Safety Tips in a great brochure available by clicking here.
Jack says Halloween is a time for tricks & treats, not fire.
The key to a safe Halloween is to remember fire safety:
- Make sure your smoke detectors are working
- Carefully select your costume
- Keep decorations well away from open flames and heat
- Make sure children are watched
- Always have a fire extinguisher close by
