Plea for parents to be aware of Halloween safety risks
Families are being urged to keep children safe this Halloween when choosing costumes and make-up.
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’s annual Halloween safety campaign 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 also warned about using face paints and make-up that can irritate children’s skin and said people should do a patch test in advance to check for allergies.
It advised families to follow its ‘I.M.S.A.F.E’ steps to ensure they can reduce the potential risks associated with Halloween.
Anyone in Scotland with concerns about a product should contact consumeradvice.scot, which provides free and impartial advice to people on any consumer issues.
The ‘I.M.S.A.F.E’ steps are:
- In sight – 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.
- Materials – Check that costume materials are flame resistant and that they meet current safety standards.
- Shoes – Ensure that shoes fit and are comfortable to prevent trip hazards, particularly when candles are present.
- Accessories and masks – Make sure that accessories for costumes are safe, with no sharp edges.
- Face paints/make-up – Face paints and make-up should be non-toxic. Read the label and do a small patch test in advance to check for allergies.
- Extra layers – Ensure children wear clothing underneath their costume. This can act as a barrier to the child’s skin should the costume catch on fire.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for 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.
“Our safety campaign highlights some 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.”