- Make sure costumes fit snugly and are made of fire-resistant material. Loose costumes are easier to drag into a candle’s path accidentally, and costumes that are not fire-resistant will catch fire and burn quickly.
- Choose costumes without elaborate head coverings, which can be difficult to remove in case of fire and make breathing difficult.
- Teach kids to “stop, drop and roll” if their costume catches fire. This helps smother the flames and prevent injury.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated electric candles when you decorate instead of traditional wax burning candles. Never let children carry candles or objects containing candles while trick-or-treating. Instead, give children small flashlights. Teach kids to avoid getting close to jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires, and other things that involve an open flame.
Personal Injury
Helpful Tips to Keep Kids Safe This Halloween
Part of making Halloween fun for the whole family is preventing injury, including the risk of fire, according to the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Fire Safety. Since Halloween decorations frequently include lighted candles, fire poses a high risk during this holiday, which can lead to serious burn injury and other forms of personal injury. By following the below fire-safety tips, you can help prevent accidents this Halloween.