Halloween is this upcoming Tuesday, and as such many people will be decorating, hosting parties, and setting up Jack-o-Lanterns. While being festive can be a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous when precautions aren’t taken. Decorations and costumes can present fire hazards, though there are some easy steps you can take to minimize this risk!
Use Battery Operated Lights in Jack-o-Lanterns
Putting an open flame inside of a carved pumpkin can present a significant fire hazard. While the pumpkin itself could begin to burn, an even larger risk comes from decorations or costumes accidentally falling onto the jack-o-lantern. When lighting up your jack-o-lanterns, try to use battery operated lights such as LED tea lights or glow sticks. If you do use an open flame, make sure the pumpkins aren’t placed inside, near structures, or in walkways to minimize accidents.
Avoid Long Trailing Fabric
When putting together your costumes, avoid long trailing fabric as it can drift into candles or jack-o-lanterns and catch fire.
Keep All Decorations Away from Flame and Heat Sources
Dried vegetation, crepe paper, and more are common Halloween decorations, however they can very easily catch fire when they come in contact with open flame or heat sources. In addition to keeping your jack-o-lanterns in a safe place, avoid placing flammable decorations near candles, lights, heaters, and other potential heat sources.
Teach Children to Stay Away From Jack-o-Lanterns
Whether out trick-or-treating or at a party, teach your children to stay safe and keep their distance from jack-o-lanterns and other open flames. It’s better to keep at a safe distance than risk a costume catching on fire.
Keep Exits Clear of Decorations
When decorating your home, keep all exits clear of decorations. In case of an emergency, blocked exits can restrict escape routes and cause unwanted harm.
Make Sure All Smoke Alarms Are Working
Finally, ensure all of your home’s smoke alarms are working in case a fire does start. If you happen to be in another room when something catches fire, the smoke alarms can alert you before the fire spreads or significant harm is done.
Have Fun!
Safety and fun aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating, hosting a party, or just decorating for your family, remember to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your Halloween!
