Halloween safety tips issued by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is urging residents to take safety precautions ahead of Halloween, warning of common preventable injuries including pedestrian accidents, falls, crashes caused by impaired drivers, and alcohol overconsumption.

With Halloween falling on Saturday this year, fire officials expect emergency crews to be busy as trick-or-treaters head out early and college students and young adults attend gatherings later into the night. JFRD noted that the most frequent injuries encountered during the holiday weekend stem from preventable incidents rather than minor issues.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department issued guidance for Halloween safety, recommending that costumes fit well and remain short enough to prevent trips and falls. The department advised using face paint or makeup instead of masks that block vision, adding reflective tape to costumes and treat bags and giving children flashlights or glow sticks. Adults should accompany children under age 12, while older children should travel in groups along planned routes with designated check-in times. Pedestrians should use sidewalks or walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible, cross streets at corners or crosswalks and put away mobile devices while walking.

For drivers and partygoers, JFRD advised slowing down in neighborhoods and watching for children near driveways and alleys. The department instructed motorists not to drive after drinking and recommended arranging sober rides through designated drivers or rideshare services. JFRD also outlined symptoms of alcohol poisoning — including confusion, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, pale or bluish skin and difficulty waking — instructing residents to call 911 immediately and remain with the individual until emergency responders arrive.

Director and Fire Chief Percy Golden II emphasized that preparation can prevent most holiday emergency calls. “This weekend should be about candy and costumes, not a trip in one of our Rescue units,” Golden said. “Most of the injuries we respond to over Halloween weekend can be prevented with a little planning. Make kids easy to see and if you’re going out this weekend, plan to have fun safely.”

JFRD operates 71 stations with 1,900 personnel, serving more than 1 million residents across 885 square miles of Duval County. The department responds to more than 100,000 calls for service each year, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and technical rescues.

Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. JFRD encourages residents to use the clock change to test smoke alarms, replace batteries, replace alarms older than 10 years, inspect carbon monoxide detectors and review household fire escape plans. Residents needing smoke alarm installation assistance can call 904-630-CITY.

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