Keep Halloween celebrations safe and spooktacular

It's Halloween, and everyone is entitled to celebrating with safety. But when safety is in disguise, emergency situations can be pretty grave and frightening. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) is reminding parents and children to keep fire safety in mind to help ensure that Halloween celebrations are fun and emergency-free.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an annual average of 835 home fires begin with decorations, with approximately one-third of these fires being started by candles. These fires result in $14 million in direct property damage.

Celebrate Halloween safely with these safety tips:

• Decorations and Fire Safety
  
  
  • Keep flammable decorations like crepe paper, tissue paper, and dried flowers away from open flames and heat sources such as candles or light bulbs
  • Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks to light pumpkins and decorations safely
  • Avoid real candles or lanterns with open flames, especially around children in costumes
    
    
• Costume Safety
  
  
  • Choose costumes, wigs, and accessories labeled flame-retardant to reduce fire risks
  • Ensure hats and wigs fit properly and do not block vision. Instead of masks, which can limit vision, use non-toxic face paint or makeup. Decorative hats are a safer alternative
  • Avoid costumes with sharp or long accessories like swords or sticks. Choose soft props to prevent injuries
  • Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, and avoid oversized shoes or high heels
    
    
• Street and Traffic Safety
  
  
  • Stick to well-lit streets and always use sidewalks when walking
  • Cross streets at crosswalks and never assume drivers will stop for you
  • Drivers should slow down and be extra alert for children on Halloween night
    
    
• Trick-or-Treating Safety
  
  
  • Consider attending organized events like drive-thru trunk-or-treats for a safer option than traditional trick-or-treating
  • If trick-or-treating in neighborhoods, children should be accompanied by an adult
  • Travel in small groups and only visit houses with porch lights on. Carry a cell phone for emergencies
  • Finish trick-or-treating before dark, or use flashlights and glow sticks to stay visible after dark
  • Add reflective tape or bright colors to costumes and treat bags to increase visibility
  • Offer non-candy treats like stickers, crayons, or small toys as healthier options
  • Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them, and throw away any homemade or unwrapped items
    
    
• Fire Safety at Home
  
  
  • Make sure smoke alarms are working to alert you in case of a fire
  • Review and practice your family fire escape plan, and ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room

Keep an ABC fire extinguisher nearby and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use it.