The trick-or-treat season is here, one of the most anticipated times of the year for kids. While most Halloween activities have gone virtual due to the pandemic, some people still put up Halloween home decorations to celebrate the holiday. Unfortunately, the same decorations have made Halloween a holiday with an increasing number of home fires.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that during every Halloween between 2009 and 2013, in an average of 860 reported home fires decorations were the first items to be ignited. Fires are capable of burning a building to the ground, which is why it is crucial to take necessary precautions to help prevent them from occurring in your home. ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief has some tips to keep your home and family safe this Halloween.
Keeping Halloween Decor Safe
- Pumpkins. Carved pumpkins or jack-o'-lanterns are common Halloween features, but they could be a fire hazard when an open flame, such as a lit candle, is used for illumination. To prevent fires, utilize a battery-operated candle or LED light.
- Candles. Using lit candles to decorate your porch stairs or windowsills creates a spooky effect, but open flames pose risks of injuries and home fires. Decorative candles must be battery-operated to prevent a fire.
- Other decorations. Flammable decorations such as cornstalks, hay bales and straw can be dangerous if left near a heat source, such as an open flame. Keep these decorations away from candles, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and outdoor fire pits.
Keeping Your Yard Safe
While trick-or-treats are recommended to be performed virtually, Halloween may still bring a lot of visitors to your lawn. Perform the following to keep them safe:
- To prevent trips and falls, clear your yard of large amounts of debris, such as leaves or sticks.
- Ensure that all exterior lights are in good working condition, including path lights or Halloween decorations.
- Secure steps and railings as necessary.
Follow these tips to avoid home fires this Halloween. However, accidents can still happen. In case a fire breaks out in your home, contact your local emergency fire response and a trusted restoration professional.
Make an Appointment With Our Restoration Specialists
ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is of service to completely cover fire damages through professional remediation, restoration and cleanup. We are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (813) 295-7797. You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment. We serve residential and commercial properties in Oldsmar, Florida and the surrounding areas.
- Highly skilled technicians
- Preferred by insurance companies in Florida
- IICRC-certified firm
The sooner our professional team comes in, holds an appraisal and gets started on the drying and restoration, the sooner your life could return to normal. Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact us today.
