No Tricks, Just Tips: How to have a safe Halloween
October 24, 2024
As Halloween creeps closer, most of us understand the extreme dangers of fireworks and bonfires – but have you ever thought about checking your child’s costume?
Flammable fabrics, small parts, and loose accessories can all turn fun into fright. Take the following 3-step costume check to keep your little ghouls and goblins safe this Halloween.
- CE Mark: Costumes are classed as toys, so they should always have a clear CE mark on the packaging or costume itself. It should also be included on face paint, so be sure to check!
- Small parts: Check for loose small parts, including batteries. Anything smaller than a €2 coin is a choking hazard, and button batteries – small, flat, circular batteries, sometimes included in accessories, lights and inflatables – are especially dangerous. Check your children’s accessories to see if the battery pack is easily opened and if so, stop using the product. Always keep batteries out of reach of children.
- Strings and cords: Costumes with strings or cords on the head, neck or chest area carry a risk of strangulation and shouldn’t be used unless they are fastened with, for example, Velcro or a snap fastener and can easily break away. Make sure to check capes, hats or bowties that often come with children’s costumes and never use items with fixed cords or strings in the head, neck or chest area.
Top Tip
Always keep children away from bonfires, candles and open flames of any kind.
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If you have a safety concern about a Halloween costume, prop or accessory, stop using it immediately. Contact the CCPC’s national consumer helpline on 01 402 5555. You should also alert the manufacturer or retailer with your concerns.
Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween! Have a frightfully fun night without any real scares!
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