Key Safety Message
Halloween should be fun, but candles, costumes and decorations can create fire risks if not used carefully. Use battery-operated LED candles instead of naked flames, keep costumes away from anything that could catch fire and make sure everyone knows what to do if clothing catches fire.
Overview
Halloween is a time for dressing up, carving pumpkins, decorating homes and enjoying celebrations with family and friends.
However, candles, naked flames and some fancy-dress materials can increase the risk of fires and serious burns, particularly when children are wearing costumes.
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service encourages everyone celebrating Halloween to take simple precautions to protect themselves, their families and their homes.
Key Safety Advice
- Use battery-operated LED candles or tealights inside pumpkins and Halloween decorations instead of traditional candles.
- Keep costumes, wigs, capes and decorations away from candles, heaters and other sources of heat.
- Choose costumes that fit properly and avoid long, trailing fabrics that could catch fire or cause trips.
- When buying children’s costumes, check for UKCA or CE safety markings and read the manufacturer’s safety information.
- Keep children and pets away from naked flames and supervise young children during Halloween activities.
- If using traditional candles, place them in suitable, heat-resistant holders away from anything that could catch fire.
- Check Halloween lights and electrical decorations for damage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Teach children to Stop, Drop and Roll if their clothing catches fire.
- Make sure children know how to call 999 in an emergency.
What You Need to Know
How can I make Halloween pumpkins and decorations safer?
Carved pumpkins and Halloween decorations can create a spooky atmosphere without needing a naked flame.
Battery-operated LED candles and tealights provide a similar flickering glow without the risk of a traditional candle igniting costumes or nearby decorations.
If you choose to use traditional candles:
- Place them in suitable holders on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep them away from costumes, curtains, decorations and anything else that could catch fire.
- Avoid placing candle-lit pumpkins near doorways, paths or steps where people may brush against them.
- Never leave candles burning unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished before going to bed.
How can I choose a safer Halloween costume?
Some Halloween costumes can catch fire quickly if they come into contact with naked flames.
Children’s fancy-dress costumes are generally regulated as toys rather than ordinary clothing, so they are subject to different fire safety requirements.
When choosing a costume:
- Buy from reputable retailers and check for UKCA or CE safety markings.
- Read the safety warnings and instructions on the label.
- Choose well-fitting costumes and avoid loose, trailing materials that could come into contact with flames.
- Take extra care with wigs, capes and accessories that may hang close to candles or other heat sources.
- Avoid using bin liners or other materials that could easily catch fire when making homemade costumes.
- Make sure masks allow children to see clearly and move safely.
Even costumes that meet safety standards can catch fire, so keeping them away from naked flames is essential.
What should I do if my clothing catches fire?
If clothing catches fire, remember Stop, Drop and Roll.
- STOP – Stop moving. Running can make the flames burn more intensely.
- DROP – Get down onto the ground immediately.
- ROLL – Cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to help smother the flames.
Practising these steps with children can help them remember what to do in an emergency.
If someone’s clothing catches fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service. Once the flames are out, cool any burns under cool running water for 20 minutes, keeping the rest of the person warm. Seek urgent medical assistance.
How can I keep children safe while trick-or-treating?
Trick-or-treating can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but children should be aware of their surroundings, particularly when wearing costumes.
- Supervise young children and make sure older children have appropriate arrangements for staying safe.
- Choose costumes and footwear that allow children to walk comfortably and see clearly.
- Consider reflective accessories or glow sticks to help children remain visible after dark.
- Keep children away from candle-lit pumpkins, naked flames and other potential fire hazards.
- Remind children how to call 999 if there is an emergency.
How can I use Halloween lights and decorations safely?
Decorative lights can help create a Halloween atmosphere without using naked flames.
- Check electrical lights and cables for signs of damage before use.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly when using lights outdoors.
- Avoid overloading plug sockets or extension leads.
- Keep electrical decorations away from anything that could catch fire and sources of heat.
- Switch off decorative lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Battery-operated LED decorations are a practical option for lighting pumpkins and other Halloween displays.