NFPA Urges Public to Keep Halloween Fire Safety in Mind for Decorations and Costumes

NFPA says an average of 835 Halloween season fires resulted in three deaths, 30 injuries and $14 million in damage from 2018 to 2022.

NFPA Urges Public to Keep Halloween Fire Safety in Mind for Decorations and Costumes

Adobe Stock image by Cristina

QUINCY, Mass. — As Halloween creeps closer, fire safety hazards lurk among many of the holiday’s festivities and celebrations.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2018 and 2022, an annual average of 835 home structure fires began with decorations, resulting in three deaths, 30 injuries and $14 million in direct property damage.

Nearly half (47 percent) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source; approximately one-third (32 percent) started with candles, according to the NFPA report.

With these and associated safety risks in mind, NFPA is encouraging everyone to take precautions that can help ensure a fire-safe Halloween.

“Decorating with jack-o-lanterns and other seasonal items, costume parties, and trick-or-treating all present potential fire hazards,” says Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “But that’s no reason to let Halloween spook people. With a little added awareness and caution, the vast majority of these risks can be prevented.”

NFPA Halloween Safety Tips

NFPA offers these tips and guidelines for enjoying a festive Halloween:

  • Decorations: Many common decorations like cornstalks, crepe paper, and dried flowers are very flammable. Keep these and similar decorations far away from any open flames or heat sources, like candles, heaters, and light bulbs.
  • Candles: Using candles as decoration can be risky if not done correctly. Keep them in a well- attended area out of the path of potential trick-or-treaters. Remind children of the dangers of open flames, and make sure they are always supervised when candles are lit. Always extinguish candles before leaving an area.
  • Jack-o-lanterns: Glow sticks or electric candles are the safest choice when it comes to lighting up your jack-o-lantern, but if you choose to use a real candle, do so with extreme caution. Light a candle inside a jack-o-lantern using long fireplace matches or a utility lighter and keep it away from other decorations.
  • Costumes: Avoid fabric that billows or trails behind you, as these can easily ignite. If you are making your own costume, avoid loosely woven fabrics like linen and cotton, which can be very flammable.
  • Visibility: Give children flashlights or glowsticks for lighting, these can even be incorporated into the costume. If your child has a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough for them to see clearly.
  • Smoke Alarms: This is a great time to make sure your smoke alarms are in working order.
  • Exits: Exits are NOT an appropriate place for decorations. When decorating, ensure that nothing is blocking escape routes, including doors and windows.

Visit the NFPA Halloween safety page for more safety tips and resources. Get NFPA’s Halloween Fire Safety Bundle for frightfully fun activities for kids and families. Visit sparky.org for kid-friendly fun.

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