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Halloween Safety Tips
From the Office of the Fire Marshal
Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children. But make this
Halloween a treat, and don’t be tricked by hidden dangers! Here are a few fire
safety tips to help make Halloween night safe and enjoyable for the whole
family.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN
- The best costumes are light coloured or bright and reflective. Keep
costumes short to avoid tripping and falling. Minimize the risk of contact
with candles or other ignition sources by avoiding baggy pants, loose
frills, or billowing skirts.
- Give every child a flashlight with fresh batteries. Remind them of
traffic safety rules, and that they should cross streets at corners and
never cross between parked cars.
- Make sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency
number if they experience an emergency.
- Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire:
STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face with hands, and ROLL
over and over to extinguish the flames.
SAFETY TIPS FOR ADULTS
- Be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety
rules when crossing the street.
- Appoint a designated driver if you attend adult Halloween parties.
- Accompany children when they go out trick-or-treating.
SAFETY AT HOME
- Consider using only battery-powered lanterns, flashing lights or
chemical light sticks instead of candles in decorations.
- Small flashlight candles are the safest for use in jack-o'-lanterns. If
you must use a candle, try a tea light or votive candle in a non-combustible
holder. Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of
children. Place candlelit jack-o'-lanterns on sturdy tables, away from
curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave them unattended.
- Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and
doorsteps where costumes can brush against the flame.
- Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with holiday
lighting or special effects. Keep exit doors unblocked. Replace bulbs on
outdoor lights. Check that the batteries in your smoke alarms work.
- Keep pets safe by ensuring they stay away from the door. Do not let them
outside.
Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Copyright 2008
