Enjoy a fun and safe Halloween

Halloween is a night of excitement and festive fun, but it's also a time when extra caution is essential. From seasonal decorations, creative costumes, and crowded streets, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) shares important safety tips to help everyone enjoy a fun and safe Halloween.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations are responsible for an average of 832 home fires annually, with candles accounting for 33 percent of these incidents. Nearly 47 percent of these fires occur when decorations are placed too close to heat sources, such as light bulbs or heaters. Collectively, these fires cause an estimated $17 million in direct property damage each year.  

Celebrate Halloween safely with these safety guidelines:

Decorations and Fire Safety:

• 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-powered 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 flame-resistant costumes, wigs, and accessories 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, to prevent injuries

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 ahead of time and stick to familiar, well-lit areas
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children heading out with friends should stay together in small groups and stick to the planned route
• 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 anything that’s homemade, already opened, or not in its original sealed wrapper
  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 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.