Fire Marshal: Fire Risk Increases on Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching, and though State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr is again reminding Michigan families of the increased risk of burn injuries and other hidden dangers on Halloween.

"On Halloween, there’s a significant increase in home fires and burn-related injuries, most commonly caused by candles igniting costumes and decorations," Farr said in a press release. "Make sure the costumes are flame-resistant and will not ignite easily. Don’t use candles to decorate inside or outside the home, and do have smoke alarms."

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Halloween is the fifth worst day of the year for candle fires, which is why Farr is encouraging using alternatives such as battery-operated candles, electric lights and flashlights in pumpkins rather than candles. Also, keeping holiday decorations such as dried cornstalks away from heat and open flames can reduce the risk of fire.

"Decorations are the first thing to ignite in more than 1,000 reported home fires each year on Halloween, and more than half are started by candles," Farr said. 

Telling children to stay away from open flames – especially candles and jack-o-lanterns that may be on steps and porches, which could cause their could catch fire if they get too close – can also help prevent burn injuries. Kids should never carry lit candles, jack-o-lanterns or high heat or flaming decorations, which also could easily ignite costumes, Farr warned, and always use a flashlight, flame-less candle or light stick while walking in order to be more visible.

How to avoid fire hazards at Halloween

Farr offers the following tips to avoid fire hazards this Halloween:

• Buy only costumes, fabric and accessories labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant made with material that won't easily ignite if exposed to heat or flame and that will extinguish more readily. 
• Avoid baggy, billowing or oversized costumes that are dangerous around lit candles or open flames.
• Avoid masks and over-the-head costumes, which can impede vision or make removal difficult in the event of fire; use face paint or makeup instead.
• Be sure children know how to "stop, drop and roll" if their clothing catches fire to smother spreading flames. Have them practice stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.
• Tell kids to let you know right away if they see other kids playing with matches or lighters.
• Use only decorative lights that have been tested and certified for safety. Check lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords with holiday lighting or special effects.  
• Have working smoke alarms in the home and set up a home fire escape route.
• Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

Farr offers the following safety tips and guidelines for parents and kids to follow while they're trick-or-treating:

• Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult.
• Remind children to stay together as a group and walk from house to house.
• Review how to cross a street with your child.  Look left, right, and left again to be sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street.
• Parents should warn their children not to eat any of their treats before they get home, where they can be examined by an adult. 
• All candy should be inspected to ensure that it is safely sealed and has not been tampered with. 
• Fruit should be sliced into small pieces and checked for foreign objects. If in doubt, throw it out. 
• Keep small pieces of candy away from infants and very small children, as they can easily become lodged in the throat and cause choking.

For more fire safety information, visit the Bureau of Fire Services website at www.michigan.gov/bfs.