Glow Safely This Halloween

Halloween is a time for fun festivities, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious about fire safety. 

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), between 2017 and 2021, an average of 790 home fires started due to decorations each year. These fires resulted in four deaths, dozens of injuries, and approximately $14 million in property damage annually. 

Nearly half of these fires occurred because decorations were placed too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment. Candles are a particular concern, accounting for one-third of decoration-related fires. To keep your Halloween frightfully fun and safe, remember these tips:

• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles instead of open flames to reduce fire risk.

• Avoid costumes with long, trailing fabric that could catch fire, and teach children to stay away from open flames, like firepits and candle-lit jack-o'-lanterns.

• Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks for better visibility while trick-or-treating.

• Keep flammable decorations like dried flowers and cornstalks away from heat sources.

• Ensure all exits are clear and smoke alarms are working properly.

Stay vigilant, and make sure everyone knows how to "stop, drop, and roll" in case of an emergency. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!