Halloween is often one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Dressing up, trick-or-treating, candy, parties, hayrides, and corn mazes make for great fun and amazing childhood memories. Unfortunately, Halloween has become a holiday with increasing numbers of home fires.
Halloween fire facts according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- From 2014-2018, an average of 770 home structure fires began with decorations per year.
- More than two of every five (44%) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.
- More than one-third (36%) of these fires were started by candles.
- More than one-fifth (22%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen; 16% began in the living room.
At such a high cost, it’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to help prevent a fire from igniting in your home this season. To help you enjoy a safer holiday, follow these important Halloween safety tips from the experts at ServiceMaster of Savannah.
Halloween Fire Safety Tips
Use these tips to help prevent your Halloween decorations from catching fire:
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns
- When choosing costumes, stay away from the long trailing fabric.
- Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
- Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
- Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
Halloween Safety: Yard Maintenance
Halloween has the potential to bring plenty of residents through your lawn. To help keep trick-or-treaters and their parents safe, check that your yard is properly maintained and has adequate lighting. Before night falls, complete these tasks:
- Remove large amounts of debris, including leaves or sticks, to help reduce the risk of trips and falls.
- Check that the exterior lights are working properly, including any path lights or Halloween decorations.
- Ensure that steps and railing are secure, if necessary.
By following these tips, you can help keep everyone safe. We hope you have a happy and fun Halloween this year!
Contact Most Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Company in Savannah, Georgia
Unfortunately, accidents still happen. In the event that a fire broke out in your home, call on the experts at ServiceMaster of Savannah at (912) 244-6966. We’re available 24/7 every day of the year to get your home back to normal after a disaster.
With the proper expertise, tools, and innovative equipment, we can restore your home fast. Learn more about our residential fire and smoke damage removal services before the unexpected happens.
