Best 7 Common Halloween Fire Safety Hazards.Common Halloween Fire Safety Hazards
Halloween is a great time to enjoy “spooky” activities and celebrations, but it also comes with several fire safety risks. Let’s know about Common Halloween Fire Safety Hazards.
A study by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Applied Research Team showed that from 2014 to 2018, Halloween decorations caused more than 700 house fires.
This resulted in an average of two civilian deaths, 30 injuries, and approximately $11 million in property damage. This makes Halloween decorations one of the most common Halloween fire safety risks.
Halloween and fire
Between 2017 and 2019, an estimated 9,200 fires were reported to various fire departments three days before Halloween. These fires caused an average of 25 deaths, 100 injuries, and $117 million in property damage.
For the same period, outdoor fires are the most common cause at 34%. Close behind are residential fires (33%). However, 45% more deaths occurred in Halloween house fires.
Common Halloween Fire Safety Hazards
7 Halloween Fire Safety Hazards
Halloween is known for its spooky surprises and delicious treats. However, it also has hidden fire hazards, particularly with the following:
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Costumes
Many people don’t realize that Halloween costumes are classified as toys, not clothing. Because of this, they can follow different fire safety regulations that apply to your clothing.
Given this, it is best to prepare a Halloween costume fire safety plan and only choose costumes made from natural materials such as wool, silk and cotton.
Also, avoid wearing long, heavy dresses that drag on the ground. If they walk on a burnt pumpkin, they can easily catch fire. Bulky and wavy Halloween clothing is also not recommended for the same reason.
2. Pumpkin
Many families have a Halloween tradition of carving pumpkins, then lighting them using traditional candles. During Halloween, they are commonly known as jack-o’-lanterns. They are easily the most popular item around at the moment.
A burning candle inside a pumpkin is an obvious Halloween fire safety hazard. Dry leaves and other flammable materials can accidentally fall into the pumpkin and start a fire. Pumpkins can be kicked or dropped by a passerby or an over-excited dog.
This exposes nearby flammable materials, such as wooden decks, candy wrappers, and many more, to flames. Instead of standard candles, use an electric version when lighting your jack-o’-lantern. They are safer and less dangerous.
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Candles and Lights
Candles are a popular Halloween attribute. They are versatile and can create a dark and gloomy atmosphere, which is perfect for Halloween. However, they have naked and live flames and cause more than a third of Halloween house fires annually.
Ideally, candles should be placed away from various Halloween decorations and out of reach of trick-or-treating children.
An alternative to regular candles is the LED version. These candle types are safe and can create the same Halloween lighting effects. If you do an online search, you will find that LED lights can give you various fun options for creating the required lighting setup.
- Decoration
Decorations play an essential role in any holiday or season. For Halloween, many options are available, including dried flowers, wreaths, cornstalks, crepe paper and fake spider webs. However, these items are a fire hazard and should be kept from heat sources and open flames.
Halloween decorations that are powered by electricity can also be a fire hazard. Care should be taken when your electrical decoration is plugged into an extension cord and connected to only one socket. An electrical overload could result in fire.
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Smoke alarm
All smoke alarms should be examined closely, whether installed inside your home or in an office. With the many Halloween costumes and decorations around you, it can be easy to overlook a fire hazard. However, a smoke detector can detect this and will notify you immediately.
It is also a good idea to do a fire alarm test before Halloween parties or get-togethers. It usually only takes a few minutes and can be a lifesaver if you include it in your Halloween fire prevention plan.
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Clogged Exhaust
When decorating for Halloween, it’s easy to get carried away, so you end up with fire extinguishers, crepe paper, and skeletons near the exit stairs. It can be very dangerous when it comes to Halloween fire safety. It is also a fire code violation for commercial buildings.
There are better places to put your Halloween decorations than the exhaust. There should be no obstruction in these areas as this may prevent people from getting out quickly in an emergency.
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Cooking
Cooking is also a leading cause of residential fires during Halloween. Most Halloween cooking fires happen in the late afternoon or early evening when many people are busy cooking dinner. Fire incidents are mostly caused by unattended cooking as the cook entertains guests and trick-or-treaters.
Important Achievements about Common Halloween Fire Safety Hazards
Fires can happen anytime, although they are more likely during major celebrations such as Christmas and Halloween. With the latter, fires are not uncommon due to various Halloween activities involving flammable materials. An unattended Halloween campfire in your backyard is a good example.
Still, there are few things you can do to make sure your Halloween celebration is fire-safe. For example, you can opt for fire-resistant decor.
Before hosting a Halloween party for your family and friends, test smoke and fire alarms to ensure they are fully operational. Exits, especially in commercial buildings, should be accessible and free of debris so people can get out quickly in the event of a fire.
If any or all of these Halloween fire safety plans aren’t followed, your celebration (and your home) could go up in smoke. If a fire breaks out in your home, you will need the help of a restoration specialist to work on your fire-damaged property.
We hope you like our article on Common Halloween Fire Safety Hazards.
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