Halloween is an exciting time for everyone especially children who may dress up and go trick or treating around their local neighborhood. Although fun is important it’s just as important to understand the potential dangers and how to avoid them.
Fire safety around Halloween costumes
A majority of costumes are manufactured using cheap and synthetic materials such as plastic, polyester, spandex, foam and can easily ignite in flames. These costumes may not meet UK safety standards and the label should state whether it has undergone fire tests for flammability. These costumes can burn faster so it is crucial to ensure you keep your children away from flames and heat sources such as fireworks and lights. Remember to encourage stop, drop and roll to put out flames.
Road Safety
Now the dark nights loom ahead it is important to teach your children to look both ways when crossing roads and to use crossings to prevent injury from undetected vehicles. Costumes that could obstruct sight should be taken off whilst crossing and put back on when indoors. If possible, carry a torch to use – especially when in low lit areas.
Pumpkin Carving
Carving pumpkins can be a very dangerous activity, if your child is not old enough to handle a knife it would be wise to follow a no carve pumpkin tutorial or carve the pumpkin for the child. Remember pumpkins can become wet/slimy once carved out so it is important to take great care.
Sweets
Allowing your child to eat sweets from strangers should only be allowed once they are carefully checked over. Homemade treats such as cakes should not be consumed as not only can they contain bad ingredients they may contain potential allergens and could have been made under little food and safety regulation. Ensure the seals on packaging haven’t been tampered with and ensure that sweets are individually wrapped with the original manufactures packaging. Hard sweets such as lollipops can be a choking hazard so ensure to keep a close eye on your child consuming these treats.
Button Batteries
Some light up and battery-operated Halloween decorations create a spooky atmosphere but its important to keep the battery compartment secured with a screw to prevent young children from swallowing the battery. Button batteries are very dangerous and can kill if ingested. If possible, keep these decorations at a suitable height.
Have a safe but spooky Halloween!
-Hispec