With Halloween (October 31) fast approaching, Trading Standards is urging families to prioritise safety when buying costumes, decorations and novelty items.
Parents are advised by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service to choose well-fitting costumes made from thicker, flame-resistant materials and to avoid outfits with trailing fabric or cords, especially for children under seven.
Costumes should carry a CE or UKCA mark and labels for these costumes should also include the manufacturers details and appropriate age warnings. We would always advise to purchase costumes from a reputable retailer.
Heart of the South West Trading Standards also warn that lanterns, candles and sparklers can pose serious risks to children if used unsupervised.
“We would encourage the use torches or glow sticks as an alternative when enjoying Halloween with young children,” says Ben Newell, Business and Commercial Team Manager.
“And teach children to stop, cover their face, drop and roll if their costume catches fire.”
Other safety tips include:
- Ensure button batteries in toys and decorations are secured in lockable compartments.
- Check that masks allow clear vision and can be removed easily.
- Avoid billowing, layered or trailing fabric. Choose well-fitting costumes in thicker material.
- Look for CE/UKCA mark on costumes, plus the manufacturer details, instructions and age warnings.
- There shouldn’t be any neck cords for costumes aimed at children under 7.
- Warning labels on costumes and props are important so read before you buy.
- Look for flame resistant labels on costumes, which means they are less likely to ignite and should extinguish more quickly.
- Add visible reflective tape to outwear, costumes and props to help children be seen in the dark
- Buy costumes from reputable sources and which are made to a high standard.
For more advice see Safety and guidance advice and how to report a faulty or unsafe product