As the weather begins to cool, it’s almost time to start adorning your home with pumpkins, leaves, and other autumn decor. Fall is one of the busiest months for fire restoration teams because of Halloween mishaps. From jack-o-lanterns to scented candles, many seasonal decor items pose a potential risk for your home and family. Here are four tips to help you avoid any potential fire hazards. 

Halloween Fire Safety

1. Use Battery-powered Candles 

Many families celebrate October by telling spooky stories around scented candles that give off the smell of pumpkin spice and apple cider. Unfortunately, candles create a source of flame that can quickly topple over and start a house fire. The National Fire Prevention Association noted that candles caused two in every five house fires.

Instead, use battery-powered LED candles to create the same flickering effect without the danger that may require the help of a fire restoration team. To recreate the scents of these fragrant candles, bake an apple pie or brew some pumpkin spice lattes. 

2. Skip the Traditional Jack-o-lantern

This year, encourage your kids to draw or paint silly and scary faces on the pumpkins instead of cutting them up to create jack-o-lanterns. Then, apply glow-in-the-dark paint to the markings, so you can skip the candles on the front porch while still creating an illuminated piece of decor. This also removes the potential for knife accidents, which is another common issue during the Halloween season. 

3. Keep Exits Clear

It’s essential to keep all the exits to your home clear in case your family needs to get out quickly. While it’s fun to decorate with Halloween-themed items like spider webs and miniature hay bales, make sure every doorway and window is clear of decorations in case of an emergency.

4. Avoid Trailing Costumes

Whether your little one is a dinosaur or a superhero, make sure their costume doesn’t have long, trailing fabric. Capes and tails look great, but they can catch on a lit candle as your children are trick-or-treating and potentially set their outfit ablaze. Avoid flowing fabric or pin it up while in transit to keep your tots safe and prevent costume malfunctions.

If you need fire restoration after a Halloween-related incident, contact locally owned and operated Rumpke Restoration. Their highly trained team offers efficient, timely service in the Greater Cincinnati area, including the cities of Loveland, Milford, West Chester, Mason, Amelia, Batavia, Anderson, New Richmond, Northside, Hamilton, Fairfield, Springfield, Dayton, OH; Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Highland, Warren counties; Union, Montgomery, and Symmes Townships; and the Village of Indian Hill. The technicians provide complete disaster restoration services for damage from a flood or mold infestation or home deep-cleanings, they’ll make your house a home again. To learn more about fire restoration, visit them online or call (513) 760-5501.