CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – With Halloween drawing near, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) stresses the importance of fire safety during holiday activities.
Halloween can be a fun holiday with plenty of interesting decorations. However, NFPA would like to emphasize the importance of safety with these decorations. According to NFPA data, between 2018 and 2022, an annual average of 835 home structure fires started with decorations, leading to three deaths, 30 injuries, and $14 million in direct property damage. Almost half of these fires were caused by decorations place too close to heat sources and one-third were caused by candles.
The NFPA would like to share the following tips:
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Decorations: Keep flammable items like cornstalks, crepe paper, and dried flowers away from open flames and heat sources such as candles, heaters, and light bulbs.
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Candles: If using candles, place them in well-attended areas, away from potential trick-or-treaters’ paths. Supervise children around open flames and extinguish candles before leaving the area.
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Jack-o-Lanterns: Opt for glow sticks or electric candles to light up your jack-o-lanterns. If using real candles, light them with long fireplace matches or a utility lighter and keep them away from other decorations.
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Costumes: Avoid billowing or trailing fabrics that can easily ignite. Use tightly woven fabrics like linen and cotton, which are less flammable.
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Visibility: Equip children with flashlights or glow sticks to enhance visibility. Ensure masks have large enough eye holes for clear vision.
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Smoke Alarms: Check that smoke alarms are in working order.
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Exits: Do not place decorations near exits. Ensure escape routes, including doors and windows, remain unblocked.
For more safety tips and resources, visit the NFPA Halloween safety page and Sparky.org for kid-friendly activities. Let’s stay safe this Halloween!