Highlands parents warned of Halloween safety risks
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Families have been urged to stay safe this Halloween when choosing costumes and make-up for children.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, said people should be alert when buying outfits, especially for youngsters.
The charity highlighted fire hazards associated with loose, draping, and flowing clothing, which can be made from flammable materials.
In 2014, the daughter of TV presenter Claudia Winkleman suffered burns when her Halloween costume caught fire.
Advice Direct Scotland said shoppers should check costumes for safety instructions, a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) or CE (Conformité Européenne) marking, and the manufacturer’s name.
The UKCA stamp serves as the post-Brexit equivalent of the CE, which remains valid.
Both markings assure that the products meet manufacturing health and safety standards.
When purchasing online, it is advisable to always buy from reputable retailers.
Prior to making a purchase, check online reviews and look for product recalls by searching ‘product safety recalls’ on www.gov.uk.
Advice Direct Scotland also warned about using face paints and make-up that can irritate children’s skin and said people should do a patch test at least 48 hours in advance to check for allergies.
Other key tips for families to reduce the potential risks associated with Halloween include:
• Remember to keep an eye on children as candles and hanging decorations can be fire hazards and increase the risk of a trip or fall.
• Consider using battery-powered candles for decorations instead of real ones.
• Children should never be allowed to carry, play with, or reach over a lit candle, even when supervised, and real candles should not be left to burn unattended.
• Check that accessories for costumes are safe, with no sharp edges.
• Ensure children wear clothing underneath their costume. This can act as a barrier to the child’s skin should the costume catch on fire.
• Teach your child the STOP, DROP, COVER, and ROLL rule to ensure they know what to do if their clothes catch fire. It is a good idea to practice stopping, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over a few times to put out the flames.
Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Halloween is a time of excitement for children and adults alike and getting our costumes ready is all part of the fun.
“However, we should be alert to the potential risks that the season can bring with loose, draping, and flowing clothing coupled with fire hazards around every corner – and inside every pumpkin.
“It’s important to check that children’s costumes are safe before they go out guising, and the same applies for adults attending parties.
“There are some essential steps you can take to avoid danger, including ensuring costume materials are flame resistant and that face paints or make-up do not cause irritation.
“Anyone with concerns about a product can contact our advisers for free, impartial and practical advice.”
