Halloween is a fun holiday for both kids and grown ups, but you need to celebrate safely to prevent any accidents that can occur. Each year, there’s an average of 10,000 fires reported around Halloween that cause 30 deaths, 125 injuries, and more than $100 million in property damages.
Follow these Halloween safety tips to prevent fire damage in Springfield Missouri and keep Halloween safe and fun.
Placement of Halloween Decorations
When placing your Halloween decorations, make sure they aren’t near candles or other heat sources. Place them out of the way of driveways, doorsteps, and walkways, so they don’t block potential escape routes if anything accidentally happens.
Jack O’Lantern Displays
Avoid using actual candles inside your pumpkins. Instead, use lights that are battery-operated or flashlights. If candles are used, make sure they stay away from flammable items and keep a close eye on them.
Halloween Lights
Make sure any Halloween lights used are safety tested by a recognized lab and always check for broken sockets, frayed wires, and loose connections before use. Avoid overloading extension cords and opt for battery-operated candles instead of wax candles for the home and yard. These are much safer in case someone bumps into them.
Halloween Costumes
For Halloween costumes, avoid flammable materials and stay away from fabric that trails behind as you walk. Be sure any props carried by children are flexible and safe to use, so they don’t cause an injury if the child falls.
Make sure their Halloween costumes are light in color and use reflective tape so children are more visible. If there are masks, consider replacing them with face paint or make sure the eyes are large enough to easily see out.
Be Ready To Stop, Drop, and Roll
Children should know what to do if there is a fire. In case their Halloween costume accidentally catches fire, teach them to “stop, drop and roll” while covering their face to put out the flames.
Halloween Parties
Make sure kids are prepared if they’re going to Halloween parties at someone else’s home. Remind them to look for exits inside the home and make sure they know how to get out if a fire does occur.
Accompany Kids and Know Their Route
Children younger than 12 should always be with an adult while trick or treating. Teens should walk together and stay in well-lit areas for their safety. If kids are walking alone, know what route they’re taking and have them carry a cell phone. This way, they can check in regularly.
Halloween Pet Safety
Make sure any Halloween pet costumes don’t hamper their movement or annoy them. Keep anything dangerous or flammable out of the reach of your pets, so they can’t be knocked down by a wagging tail and start a fire or cause injuries.
Other Halloween Safety Tips
Make sure children have flashlights to allow them to be easily seen after dark. When they’re crossing the street, make sure they look both ways and use crosswalks as much as possible. Adults driving during this time should anticipate a lot of pedestrians and pay extra close attention while driving.
While Halloween can be a lot of fun, fire disasters can still happen. Follow these steps to minimize the potential for fire damage while celebrating. If you do ever need help with Fire Damage Restoration following a house fire, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the job right.