Halloween Fire Safety
Halloween's rank as the second largest holiday means that almost every home on your street and in your neighborhood is decorated for the season. A large spider is probably suspended over your neighbor's porch and a huge inflatable pumpkin can be seen on the front lawn of the house down the street.
Halloween decorations may involve open flames that can lead to home fires, including candles in jack-o'-lanterns, tiki torches, campfires, and other lighted objects. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 1,000 fires are caused by these decorations annually, resulting in 6 civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries, and $16 million in direct property damages each year.
Listen to the experts and take steps to protect your home and family from a devastating fire this Halloween. NFPA's Be Halloween Safe tip sheet offers precautions you can take to prevent fires. Watch NFPA's Halloween safety video for additional advice.
After Halloween, remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home when daylight savings time ends. Each year Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs sponsor the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program. Use some of the extra hour you "gain" wisely by changing the batteries in your detectors and testing your detectors to ensure that they are working properly. Remind your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most families are sleeping. A smoke alarm may be your family's only notification of a fire emergency.
Prevention 52 begins with you!
Prevention 52 intends to educate and empower all NPS employees to help prevent structural fires.
Prevention 52 provides you with relevant fire prevention messages every week of the year--52 to be exact.
You have the opportunity every week to make a difference. Don't let historic ashes become your legacy.
Last updated: October 19, 2016