Be Fire Safe During Halloween

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

A Massillion, Ohio home caught on fire from an outside candle.

Did you know that a fire is a bigger threat than tainted candy during Halloween? There have been less than 100 reports of bad candy in the past years with zero deaths, but the following are Halloween fire statistics that are shocking.

• A three-year study reported around 15,500 fires happen nationally over Halloween and the days surrounding it.
• During this three-year period the fires caused: 45 deaths, 175 injuries and $92 million dollars’ worth of property damage.
• Open flames double during Halloween due to increased use of candles as decoration.
• Arson related fires increase by 10% on Halloween.

Please read the below Halloween fire safety tips provided by the NFPA.

• When choosing a costume stay away from long trailing fabric. If you are wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough to see out.
• Make sure kids use flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
• Keep flammable decorations such as cornstalks, crepe paper and dried flowers away from open flames and other hear sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• Make sure exits are clear of decorations.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are working in the home.
• Tell children while they are trick-or-treating to stay away from flames, bonfires or burning leaves. Teach them to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Enjoy and be safe during the Halloween Holiday! If you experience a fire damage to your Massillon property, call the local fire restoration company of SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County to clean up, restore and rebuild your home at 330-497-4600.