BEDFORD HILLS, NY – October 31, 2026 – Halloween is a time for costumes, decorations, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating with family and friends. As our community prepares to celebrate, the Bedford Hills Fire Department is reminding residents to take a few simple precautions to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
While Halloween decorations and costumes add to the excitement of the holiday, they can also introduce potential fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that an estimated 835 home structure fires per year involved decorations between 2020 and 2024. Nearly half of these fires occurred because decorations were placed too close to a heat source.
The Bedford Hills Fire Department encourages residents to review the following fire safety recommendations from the NFPA:
Halloween Costume Safety
-Avoid long, trailing costumes. Choose costumes that fit properly and do not drag on the ground.
-Make sure masks allow clear visibility. Eye openings should be large enough for children to see clearly.
-Increase visibility after dark. Give children flashlights or incorporate glow sticks into their costumes.
Pumpkin and Decoration Safety
-Choose flameless lighting. Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks inside jack-o'-lanterns instead of open flames.
-Keep decorations away from heat sources. Dried flowers, cornstalks, crepe paper, and other seasonal decorations can ignite easily. Keep them away from candles, heaters, light bulbs, and other sources of heat.
-Keep walkways and exits clear. Decorations should never obstruct doorways, sidewalks, stairs, or emergency escape routes.
-Use caution with electrical decorations. Inspect electrical cords for damage and keep cords positioned where they will not create tripping hazards.
Fire Safety for Families
-Keep children away from open flames. Remind children not to touch candles or jack-o'-lanterns containing real flames.
-Practice Stop, Drop, and Roll. Make sure children know what to do if their clothing catches fire: stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover their face with their hands, and roll repeatedly until the flames are extinguished.
-Check your smoke alarms. Make sure smoke alarms throughout your home are working properly.
-Know your escape routes. If your children are attending Halloween parties at another home, encourage them to identify exits and know how to get outside in an emergency.
Halloween should be remembered for the costumes, candy, and fun—not an emergency. A few extra precautions can make a significant difference in protecting our children, families, and neighbors.
The Bedford Hills Fire Department wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and fire-safe Halloween!
For additional Halloween fire safety information and resources, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website |
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