Scare Off Frightful Fire Hazards this Halloween

October 29, 2015 – Keep Halloween scary and safe this year by taking simple precautions to lower fire risk and avoid burn-related injuries. Have fun in flame-resistant costumes, trick-or-treat with flashlights or glow sticks, and use extreme caution if using candles to ensure a spooktacular good time.

“On Halloween there’s a significant increase in burn-related injuries and home fires most commonly caused by candles igniting costumes and decorations,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Michael Deprez. “Unattended candles can ignite costumes and decorations in close proximity within seconds. If you do choose to use candles, never leave them unattended and keep them well away from children and pets or anything that can burn.”

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) most recent statistics show that decorations were the first items to be ignited in 920 reported home structure fires on average each year, resulting in $12.9 million in direct property damage. Nearly half of decoration fires in homes happened because decorations were too close to a heat source; 41 percent of these incidents were started by candles. Preferably, use flashlights or battery operated candles in pumpkins and decorative light sets that have been tested and certified for safety. Cornstalks, hay bales and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep them away from all heat sources including light bulbs and heaters. Keep a fire extinguisher readily available and have working smoke alarms in the home.

Deprez said to talk with your kids about Halloween fire safety and follow some easy safety tips for kids, parents and home:

• Select or make costumes that are bright, reflective and are either fire-proof or fire retardant.
• Avoid baggy, billowing or oversized costumes that can catch fire around lit candles or open flames. Keep costumes short to avoid falls. Use reflective strips as part of the costume to make kids more visible at night.
• Instruct children on how to “stop, drop and roll” in the event their clothing catches on fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, roll over and over to extinguish the flames.)
• Have the kids carry flashlights or glow sticks for lighting and as part of the costume. Use non-toxic face paint rather than a mask that can block a child’s peripheral vision.
• Supervise children as they go trick-or-treating.
• Have rules for candy – wait to eat candy after it has been inspected at home. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Teach children their home address and phone number and how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) in case of an emergency.
• Keep lit pumpkins out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps and walkways.
• To decorate yards or sidewalks, use glow sticks or flashlights rather than torch lights, luminaries, or paper bags with lit candles.
• Use only decorative lights that have been tested and certified for safety. Check and discard damaged light sets with broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
• Do not overload electrical outlets and extension cords. Do not use multiple extension cords that may result in overheating and can be trip hazards.
• Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes from the home.
• Test all smoke alarms in the home to make sure they are working.

The Bureau of Fire Services wishes all a happy, fire-safe Halloween. Visit the Bureau of Fire Services website at www.michigan.gov/bfs for more fire safety information.