Skip to content
The Gazette. Learn something new today and every day.

More Stories

Halloween fire safety advice from the Fire Department

City of Cedar Rapids

Oct. 26, 2011 9:59 am

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department would like to offer fire safety advice to make Halloween trick-or-treating safe.  Here are a few easy safety tips:

[naviga:ul type="disc"]

  • Choose costumes made of flame-resistant fabrics.  Avoid costumes with flimsy materials such as baggy sleeves, large capes or billowing skirts to reduce the risk of coming into contact with candles and other fire sources.  Make sure that the eye holes of masks are large enough so that children can see out. 

  • Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable.  Keep these decorations well away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.  Keep exits clear of decorations so that nothing blocks a home escape route.

  • Provide children with flashlights so that they can see and be seen.  Flashlights or glow sticks will provide greater visibility during dusk and darkness.

  • It is safest to use a flashlight or a battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern.  If you use a real candle, use extreme caution.  Children should be supervised at all times when candles are lit.  Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and decorations.

  • Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards.  Trick-or-treaters' costumes may brush against the lighting.

  • Tell children to stay away from open flames.  Be sure that they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches on fire.

    • The Fire Department also reminds motorists to be aware of children darting out between parked automobiles.  Please use caution when entering and exiting driveways.  During twilight and evening hours, be mindful of children in dark costumes.

    For more information about fire safety topics, visit our Web site at www.cedar-rapids.org/fire.

    Article Tags Your Voice
    Date Time Location Previous Next chevron-circle-right Funeral Home Facebook Bluesky X/ Twitter Linkedin Youtube Instagram Tiktok Reddit Email Print Buy RSS Feed Opens in new tab or window PDF
    Daily NewslettersDaily Newsletters

    Share this article: