Halloween is Coming Up Fast

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Halloween is coming up fast. You’ve heard plenty of urban legends about safety on this night, whether it’s for you or your family. But one factor that might often be overlooked is fire safety. Using fire adds another dimension to your decorations, but as always, you want to be sure it doesn’t get out of control.

- Decorations for special events, most often involving candles, account for an annual average of 800 home fires, causing nearly $4 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA. Additionally, in the United States, more than 100 people die each year as a result of their clothing becoming ignited.

- Purchase only those costumes, wigs and props labeled as flame resistant or retardant. When creating a costume, plan carefully to ensure that it won’t easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Costumes should be made without billowing or long trailing features that present a higher risk of ignition. Avoid highly flammable fabrics and accessories.

- 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.

- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working

- Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)

- Whenever a fire happens, it’s best to know how to escape it. Any escape routes near your house or in your neighborhood work. Don’t overcrowd your yard in case anyone needs to run away quickly enough.

- Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. Two of every five of these fires were started by a candle.

SERVPRO wants you to stay safe this Halloween. If you would like to know more information on fire safety please check out the National Fire protection. If you find your home with smoke damage or fire damage please call SERVPRO of Utah County we are here to help you.