Halloween Safety Tips
Costume Safety
- If wearing a mask, make sure the child can see out of it.
- When choosing costumes, be sure to stay away from costumes with long, trailing fabric which can easily be not only a fire hazard, but a tripping hazard as well.
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume so they are visible to others.
Decoration Safety
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
- Halloween decorations such as crepe paper and cornstalks are highly flammable. Make sure to keep all decorations away from open flames and heat sources.
- Instead of utilizing a candle, use a battery operated candle or glow stick inside a jack-o-lantern.
- Keep an eye on children at all times around candles that are lit. If using a candle, light the candles use long, fireplace style matches or a utility lighter.
- Teach children to stay away from any open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles in them.
- Do not block any exits with holiday decorations.
- Make sure all smoke alarms in your house are working.
Safety While Trick-or-Treating
- Stay in a group while trick-or-treating.
- Look both ways before crossing any streets.
- Do not let your children eat treats before inspecting each piece of candy.
- Wear bright colors or use reflective tape so you are visible to vehicles.
Fire Safety & Fun!
NCC Fire is hosting a Safety Stop this year at NCC Fire Station 89! Join the fun with a BBQ, goodie bags, station tour and help us judge a firefighter pumpkin carving contest! Click here for more information!
Did You Know?
Per the National Fire Protection Association:
- From 2017–2021 there was an average of 790 home structure fires that began with decorations per year. These fires caused an annual average of 4 civilian fire deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage.
- Nearly half (48%) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.
- Approximately one-third (33%) of these fires were started by candles.