Halloween is a great time to enjoy “spooky” activities and celebrations, but it also poses several fire safety risks. A study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Applied Research team showed that from 2014 to 2018, more than 700 home fires were due to Halloween decorations. This resulted in two civilian deaths on average, 30 injuries, and about $11 million in property damage. This makes Halloween decorations among the most common Halloween fire safety risks.
Halloween and Fires
An estimated 9,200 fires were reported to different fire departments between 2017 and 2019, covering the three days before Halloween. On average, these fires resulted in 25 deaths, 100 injuries, and $117 million in property damage.
For the same period, outside fires are the most common cause at 34%. Trailing closely behind is residential fires (33%). However, Halloween home fires resulted in more fatalities at 45%.
7 Halloween Fire Safety Hazards
Halloween is known for its spooky surprises and delicious treats. However, it also has hidden fire dangers, especially with the following:
1. Costumes
Many people don’t realize that Halloween costumes are actually classified as toys, not clothing. Because of this, they don’t necessarily have to follow the same fire safety rules as those applied to the clothes you wear daily. Given this, it’s best to devise a Halloween costume fire safety plan and choose only attire made from natural materials like wool, silk, and cotton.
Also, avoid wearing long, heavy costumes that drag on the ground. These could easily catch fire if they trail onto a lighted pumpkin. Bulky and billowy Halloween clothing are likewise not recommended for the same reason.
2. Pumpkins
Many families have a Halloween tradition of carving pumpkins, then lighting them up using traditional candles. During Halloween, they are more commonly known as Jack-o-Lanterns. They are easily the most popular item around this time.
A lighted candle inside a pumpkin is an apparent Halloween fire safety hazard. Dry leaves and other flammable materials can accidentally fall into the pumpkin and ignite a fire. The pumpkin could also get kicked or knocked down by a passerby or an overexcited dog. This exposes the flames to nearby flammable materials, such as a wooden deck, candy wrappers, and many others. Instead of standard candles, use the electric version when lighting your Jack-o-lanterns. They are safer and less dangerous.
3. Candles and Lights
Candles are a popular Halloween feature. They are versatile and can create a dark and gloomy atmosphere, which is perfect for Halloween. They have naked and live flames, though, and cause more than a third of Halloween home fires yearly. Ideally, candles should be placed in areas far from various Halloween decorations and out of reach of trick-or-treating children.
An alternative to regular candles is the LED version. These candle types are safer and can produce the same Halloween lighting effects. If you do an online search, you’ll discover that LED lights can give you a variety of fun options to create the required lighting.
4. Decorations
Decorations play an essential role in any holiday or season. For Halloween, many options are available, including dry flowers, wreaths, cornstalks, crepe papers, and fake spider webs. However, these items are fire hazards and should be kept away from heat sources and open flames.
Halloween decorations powered by electricity can also be a fire hazard. Caution should be observed when your electrical decorations are plugged into an extension cord and connected to just one socket. An electrical overload could ensue and start a fire.
5. Smoke Alarms
All smoke alarms should be checked closely, whether installed inside your home or in the office. A fire hazard can be easily overlooked due to the many Halloween disguises and decorations you see around you. However, a smoke detector can detect this and will notify you immediately.
It’s also a good idea to conduct a fire alarm test before any Halloween party or get-together. This usually takes only a few minutes and could even be a lifesaver if you include it in your Halloween fire prevention plan.
6. Clogged Exits
When decorating for Halloween, it’s easy to get carried away, so you end up placing a cornstalk beside a fire extinguisher or crepe papers and skeletons near the exit stairs. This can be dangerous when it comes to Halloween fire safety. It is also a violation of the fire codes for commercial buildings.
Exits are not a good place to do your Halloween decorations. These areas should have no blockage because this could prevent people from getting out quickly in an emergency.
7. Cooking
Cooking is still the leading cause of residential fires, even during Halloween. Most Halloween cooking fires happen in the late afternoon or early evening when many people are busy cooking dinner. Fire incidents mostly happen due to unattended cooking because the cook is distracted entertaining guests and trick-or-treaters.
Key Takeaway
A fire can happen anytime, although it is more likely during major celebrations like Christmas and Halloween. With the latter, fires are not uncommon because of the different Halloween activities involving flammable materials. An unattended Halloween campfire in your backyard is a good example.
Nevertheless, you can do a few things to ensure that your Halloween celebration is fire-safe. For example, you can opt for fire-resistant decorations. Before hosting a Halloween party for your family and friends, smoke and fire alarms can be tested to ensure they’re fully operational. Exits, especially in commercial buildings, should be accessible and free of debris, so people can quickly get out in case of a fire. If any or all of these Halloween fire safety plans are not observed, your celebration (and your home) could literally go up in smoke. If your home catches fire, you’ll have to get a mitigation specialist to work on your fire-damaged property.
Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation can help you celebrate a fire-safe Halloween.
Fear often comes by whenever Halloween approaches. It is not because of ghosts or scary stories but because of disasters like fires that usually occur during this time of the year. No need to worry, though. Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation is always ready to help if a disaster strikes.
Fire damage mitigation is among the services that we provide. We guarantee quick but efficient results. If a Halloween fire has visited your home, contact our fire damage mitigation Denver team so an assessment can be done right away. Call now.
