Halloween is a time for fun but if not careful, decorations and costumes can become fire hazards. Follow these safety tips and help prevent a fire.

Costumes and decorations

  • Choose flame-resistant materials: only purchase costumes, wigs, and props labeled "flame-resistant" or "flame-retardant."
  • Avoid long costumes: when making or purchasing costumes, stay away from long, trailing fabrics that can easily trip someone or touch a flame.
  • Use battery-powered lights: use flashlights, glow sticks, or battery-operated candles in carved pumpkins and decorations instead of real candles.
  • Keep decorations away from heat: keep dried flowers, cornstalks, and paper decorations away from open flames and heat sources like light bulbs and space heaters.
  • Keep exits clear: always keep escape routes clear and never block doors or hallways with decorations.

Safety at parties

  • Know the escape plan: if you’re hosting a home party, let your guests know how to get out of the house and where to meet outside if a fire starts.
  • Check other homes: when visiting other homes for parties, confirm the host has a home fire escape plan that everyone understands.
  • If your clothing catches fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll back and forth to put the fire out.

Electrical and candle safety

  • Use extension cords correctly: extension cords are for temporary use only. Use cords rated for outdoor use when decorating the yard.
  • Avoid overloading outlets: do not plug too many items into one outlet. Use a safety certified power bar with a recognized Canadian certification mark from a qualified safety testing laboratory, including ETL, ULC, or CSA, if more plugs are needed.
  • Supervise the use of candles: if real candles are used, never leave them unattended. Keep them away from pets, children and anything flammable. Consider using battery-operated or flameless candles instead.