Stay Safe This Halloween

Halloween is a great time for children (and some adults) to dress up and have fun but we want to keep it that way.

Many Halloween costumes and outfits are made with materials, which, if were to come into contact with a naked flame, would easily set alight.

We are not saying don’t dress up but we are asking you to consider alternatives other than real candles this Halloween.

There are many products on the market, which imitate a real candle, or there are other alternatives such as glow sticks, which make a fun and safe way to celebrate. Remember to always read and follow instructions carefully.

We have seen some social media posts about Halloween items which have been recalled due to safety fears. Some people have even asked if this information is real or not as there is a lot of misinformation online.

If you have bought an outfit for yourself or a child, or decorations for Halloween, then you can check on this website if your purchase has been recalled Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

A recent list of items include:

• Haunted house, Dracula, pumpkin and Frankenstein children’s Halloween face masks sold by The Works which present a risk of burns
• Maeau baby girl’s pumpkin outfit sold via Amazon which presents a serious chemical risk
• Yhong Girl’s Halloween dress-up star outfit sold via Amazon which presents a serious risk of choking, flammability, entrapment and asphyxiation
• Personalised paint your own Halloween pumpkins sold via Etsy which present a high chemical risk and choking due to the presence of accessible button batteries
• Creepy Town light up ghost and pumpkin sold by Poundland which presents a high-risk of injuries and choking due to easy access button batteries

Not all the above recalls may affect every product sold and may require you to check the serial number of your item. The recall notice will inform you what to do next. This is also just a snap shot of the recall notices, if you have concerns, then please check the full list yourself.

The tips below are aimed at keeping yourself, your family and others safe this Halloween:

• Use battery operated lights with lanterns and pumpkins, they are much safer than candles
• If driving over the Halloween period, remember there may be a lot more children around so take extra care
• For some people, such as older or vulnerable people, Halloween can intimidating and distressing. Please respect homes which display ‘no trick or treat’ notices
• If must use candles, please consider the following
• Ensure they are secured in a purpose made holder and are away from materials which may catch fire such as curtains
• Children and pets should never be left alone in the same room as candles
• Put out any candles when you leave a room and make sure they are completely out at night
• Do not burn several candles close together as this may cause ‘flaring’
• Keep all Halloween costumes away from candles
• If an item of clothing does catch fire, REMEMBER STOP, DROP AND ROLL

Please stay safe this Halloween, but remember, if you need us, we are only a phone-call away.