Parents are being reminded to keep naked flames away from their children’s fancy dress costumes this Halloween.
Family safety charity RoSPA is also urging all parents to ensure that any costumes they buy for their kids carry a CE mark on the label, to help prevent unwanted trips to A&E.
Halloween and trick or treating is great fun for children and their parents alike, but all too often the celebrations end in tragedy, with young children receiving life-changing injuries as a result of their costumes catching fire.
Carlene McAvoy, RoSPA’s community safety development officer for Scotland, said: “We want to encourage all children to get out there and enjoy everything that Halloween has to offer, but parents must remember that – no matter what their costume is – all clothing burns, so please ensure to keep your children away from naked flames.
“If you want to make pumpkins, consider using battery-powered lights instead of candles, and if there are candles around, don’t leave them unattended, and keep a close eye on the children when they’re nearby.
“If buying a costume, make sure to get it from a reputable retailer, and ensure it carries a CE mark on the label. This will mean that it has been tested against fire safety regulations, and will burn more slowly if it does catch alight. If making your own costume, remember that it won’t meet the same fire safety standards as clothing that has been tested.”
If going out in the dark trick or treating, make sure that all children can be seen easily – kit them out in something reflective and let them carry a torch. We would also suggest that all children are accompanied by an adult.
For more information on Halloween safety, and for some safety posters and leaflets, see www.rospa.com/halloween
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