SJRFD: Halloween Fire Safety Tips

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - 12:45 PM
Image of a pumpkin in the fall with orange background

Halloween is creeping up on us. The rush is on to find the perfect pumpkin, the spookiest costume and the best candy for trick-or-treaters. However, along with all this excitement comes potential fire hazards related to seasonal décor and costumes.
The St. John’s Regional Fire Department wishes to remind all residents that fire risks can be avoided by following the Halloween fire safety tips indicated below.

  • When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out. Look for costumes that are labelled fire resistant.
  • Be visible – children should carry flashlights, glow sticks, reflective goodie bags and add reflective tape to costumes. Kids should not carry candles as a light source or as part of a costume.
  • Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
  • Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily.
  • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all walkways and driveways are well lit.
  • Check all indoor and outdoor decorative lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Do not overload extension cords.
  • When out trick-or-treating, stay on the sidewalk and off the road when going house to house. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far to the side as possible.
  • Cross at street corners using traffic signals or use well-lit, marked crosswalks and never cross the road between parked cars.
  • 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 and have them practice how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
  • Children under 12 should trick or treat and cross streets with an adult.

Always remember, fire safety tips are a ghoul's best friend. The St. John's Regional Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy halloween. 

For more information contact:
Captain Mike Maher
Fire Prevention Officer
St. John’s Regional Fire Department
(709) 576-3905
fireprevention@stjohns.ca