Part of the fun of Halloween is the seasonal decorations. Some people prefer simple decorations, like a few candles, smiling jack-o-lanterns and orange streamers. Others go for more elaborate displays, using giant props, plenty of lights, fog/smoke machines and even pyrotechnics.
Regardless, whether you prefer a modest display of seasonal cheer or you like going all out, home decorations such as these can pose a fire risk to your home. Open flames and exposed wires can cause fires—Meanwhile, some decorations (if they’re made of paper and fabric) are vulnerable to conflagrations.
Even costumes can pose a risk—if a costume has long trails of fabric flowing from it, an innocuous pass over a candle could spell a major disaster.
Here are some statistics from the National Fire Protection Association research division:
The 2019-23 period saw 832 home structure fires caused by Halloween decorations, per year. They caused three civilian fire deaths, 28 civilian fire injuries and $17 million in direct property damage, annually.
Forty-seven percent of these fires were from decorations placed too closely to heat sources, like candles or hot equipment.
Approximately one-third of these fires were started by candles.
In the event of a fire, homeowners insurance should provide coverage for the damages. For instance, dwelling coverage should cover the costs and repairs associated with damage to the house, while personal property coverage should cover the belongings inside the home.
Some common fire prevention tips include regular maintenance of your smoke alarms and keeping a fire extinguisher handy. On Halloween, you may want to steer clear of costumes with too much trailing fabric, use electric candles or glo-sticks instead of wax candles and make sure that any wiring you use isn’t fraying.
Be sure to speak with your independent insurance agent about the fire risks and insurance exposures—even after Halloween. While there is unique fire risks associated with Halloween, the threat of fire in the home is year-round. That’s why frequent discussions about fire prevention and insurance coverage is necessary.
Matt McDonough is PIA Northeast's writer, editor and content curator. Matt joined PIA Northeast in September 2023. Before that, he had been an editor for the online entertainment magazine Collider from 2021-23 as a copy editor for its lists section. Matt entered the world of journalism at his alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, writing and reporting for the college's student run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Creative Writing in 2020.
