As Halloween approaches, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to be aware of fire risks associated with the holiday.
Between 2018 and 2022, an annual average of 835 home fires started due to decorations, resulting in three deaths, 30 injuries, and $14 million in property damage, according to the NFPA.
Nearly half of these incidents occurred when decorations were placed too close to a heat source, and candles accounted for about 32 percent of the fires.
To help reduce these risks, the NFPA is promoting simple fire safety precautions to ensure a safe Halloween for families.
Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy, said: “With a little added awareness and caution, the vast majority of these risks can be prevented.”
The NFPA advises keeping flammable decorations like dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper away from open flames or heat sources, including candles and light bulbs.
Candles, while popular for Halloween decorations, should be used with care.
They should be kept out of reach of children and placed in well-supervised areas to avoid accidents.
If using a candle inside a jack-o-lantern, it is safer to light it using long matches or a utility lighter.
Alternatives such as glow sticks or electric candles are recommended for reducing fire risk.
Costume safety is also important to prevent fire hazards.
The NFPA recommends avoiding costumes made from loosely woven fabrics such as linen or cotton, which are more flammable.
It is safer to choose costumes that do not drag or billow.
Visibility should also be a priority—children should carry flashlights or glow sticks, which can be integrated into their costumes for added safety.
In addition, parents should ensure that masks do not restrict their children’s ability to see clearly, reducing the risk of accidents.
The NFPA also encourages households to check their smoke alarms and ensure they are functioning correctly.
Halloween offers a good reminder for families to verify that all exits are clear of decorations.
Blocking exits can be hazardous in the event of a fire, and all doors and windows should remain easily accessible.
Families are invited to explore more fire safety resources on the NFPA’s Halloween safety page, including activities for children available at sparky.org.
As Halloween nears, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is highlighting fire safety risks associated with home decorations and festivities.
Data from 2018 to 2022 reveals that an annual average of 835 home fires were caused by decorations, leading to three deaths and $14 million in property damage.
Almost half of these fires occurred due to decorations placed too close to heat sources.
The NFPA advises families to keep flammable materials away from open flames and use alternatives like glow sticks for lighting.
They also stress the importance of costume safety and ensuring exits are free from obstructions.
