Halloween Safety – Accident Prevention Tips

BOO! Halloween is a magical time for kids to dress up and rake in the sweets but Halloween Safety can be forgotten in all the excitement. It is easy to forget that accidents do happen and that became all too true in 2014 for  Strictly’s Claudia Winkelman when her daughter’s Halloween costume caught fire after brushing up against a candle causing horrific burns.

Claudia Winkleman’s Story

Whether you are going out with your children trick or treating or receiving trick or treaters, with a little forward planning, many accidents can be avoided and we at Fast Response PFA Ltd have put together our Halloween Safety – Accident Prevention Tips so you can enjoy a Happy Safe Halloween with your children.

BURNS PREVENTION

• Ditch the candles – it’s SO not worth the risk. Use battery operated or LED candles instead.
• The British Retail Consortium (BRC), since 2017 has introduced more stringent flammability tests and labelling for fancy dress costumes.
• Keep in mind which outlets adhere to BRC’s code of practice. Here’s a few that DO – Aldi, ASDA, Boots, Home Retail Group, John Lewis, Morrisons, Next, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Co-Op, Disney Store, Waitrose and Wilko.
• Only buy costumes from reputable retailers as cheap doesn’t always mean safe and cheap Halloween costumes are more likely to catch fire in seconds after being exposed to a naked flame.
• Also look out for the CE marking (EN71-2) on any costume you buy.
• Wear clothes under dressing up costumes, as this means there is a layer of protection between the costume and your skin which can help protect the skin in the event of it catching fire.

FALLS PREVENTION 

• Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
• Take a torch so you can see where you are going and you can see if there are any obstacles on home pathways.
• For receivers of trick or treaters. turn on outdoor / porch  lights and ensure there are no obstacles blocking your pathways that children can trip on.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PREVENTION

• Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can see your child or wear a reflective band.
• Use the pavement whenever possible. If there’s no pavement, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other. When you have to cross, cross away from parked cars.

HYPOTHERMIA PREVENTION

• Dress your child for the weather. Buy a costume a size bigger to be able to add layers underneath the costumes.

CHOKING PREVENTION

• Although it’s tempting, try not to let the children dig into their sweets until they come home. In all the excitement, walking, jumping around and dancing about can pose as a choking risk.
• When you get home check their bags for age appropriate sweets.

ALLERGY PREVENTION

• Always do a skin test with make up a few days before to ensure children are not allergic to any make-up and face paints.
• Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• If you have any allergies, tell the person who is giving out the treats. If you are giving sweets try to avoid ones that contain nuts.

Stay Safe and Happy Halloween

OUR FIRST AID FOR PARENTS ONLINE COURSE  THAT ALL THE FAMILY CAN ACCESS

Paediatric First Aid for Parents