Halloween is an exciting time for kids. Keeping this in mind, the North County Fire Authority wants to remind everyone in the community the importance of having a safe Halloween. The following safety tips will ensure a fun holiday for everyone:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns
• When choosing costumes, stay away from 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.

Halloween Fire Facts

• From 2013-2017, an average of 780 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 (37%) of these fires were started by candles.
• One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen; 16% began in the living room.

 Source: NFPA Applied Research