Costumes, pumpkins and decorations make Halloween memorable, but many seasonal materials can burn easily. A few simple choices can keep celebrations fun without adding unnecessary fire hazards.

Use Battery-Operated Candles

Choose battery-operated candles or glow sticks for jack-o'-lanterns, pathways and indoor displays. They provide the effect without placing an open flame near costumes, children, pets or decorations.

If a real candle is used, place it on a stable surface well away from anything that can burn and where it cannot be knocked over. Never leave it unattended, and extinguish it before leaving the area or going to sleep.

Keep Decorations Away From Heat

Dried flowers, cornstalks, paper, fabric and similar decorations can ignite quickly. Keep them away from candles, fireplaces, portable heaters, light bulbs and other heat sources.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that decorations too close to a heat source are a common factor in home decoration fires.

Do Not Block the Way Out

Decorations should never cover an exit sign or obstruct a door, hallway, stairway or window used for escape. Inflatable displays, extension cords and yard decorations should not create trip hazards on walkways.

Guests may not know your home as well as your family does. Keep routes obvious and review your home fire escape plan before hosting a party.

Choose Costumes Carefully

  • Avoid long, trailing fabric that can contact a flame or cause a fall.
  • Choose masks and accessories that do not restrict vision.
  • Use reflective material, flashlights or glow sticks so children are easier to see.
  • Keep children away from candles, fire pits and other open flames.

Teach children that if clothing catches fire, they should stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover their face and roll until the flames are out. An adult should call 911 and cool a burn with cool running water while waiting for medical guidance.

Use Electrical Decorations Safely

Inspect light strings, inflatables, cords and plugs before use. Do not use equipment with cracked insulation, exposed wires, loose connections or damaged plugs.

Use products listed for their intended indoor or outdoor location. Follow manufacturer limits when connecting light strings, and do not overload outlets or power strips. Keep cords out of standing water and do not run them through doors, windows or under rugs where they can be damaged.

Make the Porch Safe for Visitors

Provide enough lighting for steps and walkways. Keep decorations and cords away from the path to the door. Secure extension cords and decorations so they do not become trip hazards or blow into streets and sidewalks.

Keep pets controlled and make sure doors used by trick-or-treaters do not interfere with an emergency exit.

Check Smoke Alarms Before the Celebration

Test every smoke alarm before hosting guests. Alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Our guide to smoke alarm placement can help you review coverage.

Do not disable an alarm because cooking, fog effects or decorations cause nuisance activation. Remove the source, ventilate the area and use products only as directed.

If a Fire Starts

Alert everyone and get outside. Close doors behind you when possible, go to the meeting place and call 911 from a safe location. Only consider using an extinguisher on a very small, contained fire when every safety condition is met; review our fire extinguisher safety guide before an emergency.

Do not let decorations, costumes or property delay your escape. Stay outside and tell firefighters if anyone may still be inside.