As Philadelphia families prepare for Halloween activities, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region reminds residents that safety starts at home. With the end of daylight saving time on Sunday, the Red Cross encourages everyone to make "Turn and Test" part of their Halloween preparations by testing smoke alarms, replacing batteries if needed and practicing a home fire escape plan. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

“Halloween is a time for fun, costumes and community, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to make sure your family is prepared for emergencies,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “Before heading out to trick-or-treat or welcome visitors to your home, test your smoke alarms, review your escape plan and take a few simple safety precautions that can help protect everyone this season.”

The reminder comes as new research highlights a gap between confidence and preparedness among Philadelphia residents. A recent YouGov survey commissioned by the Red Cross found that 73% of Philadelphia residents believe they are prepared for a home fire, yet 54% do not have a home fire escape plan and only 6% have ever practiced one. Because a fire can spread in as little as two minutes, having working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan can make all the difference in an emergency.

Home fires remain one of the most frequent disasters in Philadelphia. Since 2024, the Red Cross has helped more than 5,300 Philadelphia-area residents recover from home fires and other local disasters. In 2026 alone, the Red Cross has installed nearly 2,000 smoke alarms in Philadelphia homes to help provide families with an early warning when every second counts.

Halloween Safety Tips

Costume Safety

To help trick-or-treaters stay visible and safe:

• Use face makeup instead of masks whenever possible.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags.
• Choose flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
• Avoid long, trailing costumes that could cause trips and falls.
• Avoid decorative contact lenses, which can cause eye injuries.

Trick-or-Treat Safety

Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
• Cross streets at corners and look both ways before crossing.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Young children should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
• Older children should travel in groups and follow a planned route.
• Be cautious around animals and inspect all treats before eating them.
• Drivers should slow down and watch carefully for children, particularly after dark.

Home Safety

If you're welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home:

• Keep walkways, steps and entrances well lit.
• Remove leaves and other tripping hazards.
• Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of open flames in pumpkins.

Turn and Test Smoke Alarms

When daylight saving time ends, the Red Cross encourages every household to:

• Test all smoke alarms.
• Replace batteries if needed.
• Install alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
• Practice a two-minute home fire escape plan.
• Identify at least two ways out of every room and choose a safe family meeting place outside.

Don't Forget Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

As more households use e-bikes, e-scooters and other rechargeable devices, fire safety experts are urging residents to take precautions with lithium-ion batteries. The survey found that 42% of Philadelphia residents leave devices charging overnight at least some of the time, despite safety recommendations to avoid unattended charging. Additionally, among e-bike and e-scooter owners, nearly half charge their devices near a doorway or primary exit, which could block an escape route if a fire occurs.

Residents should use certified chargers, avoid charging devices overnight and keep charging devices away from exits.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.