SERVPRO Halloween Fire Safety Do’s & Don’ts

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Holiday Fire Threats

Creating a spooky and scary Halloween vibe often relies on lighting effects in your home and yard. Jack-o-lanterns, candelabras and fog machines are classic props during spooky season. Even though these props are super cool, they also pose huge safety risks. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that Halloween decorations cause 800 house fires every year, which totals about $11 million in property damage. And that’s not accounting for the damage that can come to you if your costume meets an open flame. That’s why SERVPRO of Texarkana has created a list of Halloween do’s and don’ts to ensure that you have safe fun- without giving up the spookiness.

Decorations

Most decorations are extremely flammable due to the materials that make them up. When purchasing items make sure they pass the safety check:

DON’T use a candle inside of your jack-o-lantern. Pumpkins can be easily tipped over by kids or pets and catch whatever it is surrounding on fire.

DO use an LED light, electric candles or glow sticks.

DON’T use hay bales, dried flowers or leaves or paper if they’re paired with a flammable decoration. Also don’t put flammable decorations in the path of any exits in case of emergency.

DO use flame-resistant and non-flammable materials if possible. Avoid having a wood burning fire inside if you believe it will be left unattended for any period of time.

Fact: More than a third of house fires are caused by misuse of candles during a holiday season as decoration.

Costumes

Most Halloween costumes pose a fire hazard. When choosing a costume for yourself or your children only choose fire retardant materials. Avoid costumes that are bulky, hard to navigate in or have an excess of fabric. Coach children to stay away from live flames when at a Halloween party or trick-or-treating. Glow sticks and flashlights are a safe and easy tool for your kids to light their way during the night of festivities. If your child has a mask, make sure it is properly fitted to easily see. Review fire safety drills with your kids- such as STOP, DROP and ROLL.

Final Tips

Get ahead of the holiday by ensuring that your fire and smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries. Check up with your neighbors to make sure they’re prepared for spooky season as well- as fires do spread. Have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency.