Miami-Dade Fire Rescue urges residents to have a fun and safe Halloween

(MIAMI, Oct. 30, 2025) – Halloween is a night full of fun, but one that calls for extra awareness from everyone. From busy streets and spooky costumes to festive decorations, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) offers safety reminders to help ensure fun and safe celebrations for all.

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 started by candles. These fires result in $14 million in direct property damage.  

Celebrate Halloween safely with these safety guidelines:  

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
• Opt for non-toxic face paint or makeup instead of masks, which can block vision
• Ensure hats and wigs fit properly and do not obstruct eyesight
• Avoid long or loose costumes that can cause tripping. Oversized shoes and high heels can also be hazardous
• Use soft, flexible props instead of sharp or rigid accessories like swords or sticks

Street and Traffic Safety:

• Stick to well-lit streets and always stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the side of the street that faces oncoming traffic
• Cross streets at crosswalks and never assume drivers will stop for you
• Drivers should slow down and be extra alert for trick-or-treaters, especially in residential areas

Trick-or-Treating Safety:

• Consider hosting a Halloween party at home or attending organized local events like drive-thru trunk-or-treats for a safer option than traditional trick-or-treating
• If trick-or-treating, plan your route in advance and stick to familiar, well-lit areas
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should travel in small groups
• Only visit houses with porch lights on and never enter a stranger’s home
• Carry a cell phone for emergencies and finish trick-or-treating before dark whenever possible. If out after dark, use flashlights and glow sticks for visibility. Never use candles or torches
• Add reflective tape or bright colors to costumes and treat bags to help drivers see you

Candy Safety:

• Offer non-candy treats like stickers, crayons, or small toys
• Do not allow children to eat any treats until an adult has inspected them at home. Throw away any homemade or unwrapped items
• To avoid sugar overload, let children fill one small bag with their favorite treats instead of eating everything at once

Fire Safety at Home:

• Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
• Review and practice your family’s fire escape plan and ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room.
• Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher nearby and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use it.

Visit our website for additional Halloween safety information.

Watch our MDFR Kids’ Safety Corner video featuring the Safety Patrol Twins, packed with safety tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone in our community.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-204-2526.