Halloween safety advice from Dorset & Wiltshire firefighters
Our local fire brigade is hoping we have a spooky, but safe, time
We're being urged to check children's Halloween costumes to make sure they're safe.
The advice comes from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue - who say you need to look for the correct CE Mark - that means it's met the same safety tests as a toy.
Fancy dress costumes are classed as toys not clothes - meaning they don't have to be flame resistant.
Our local fire service has issued advice for us ahead of Halloween and also Bonfire Night.
Prevention Delivery Manager Vikki Thomas said:
“We would like to encourage everyone to have a fun Halloween but to also stay safe. House fires and fires involving costumes can have a devasting outcome and we want to ensure everyone knows how to keep their family safe.”
The following top tips will help you reduce your fire risk this Halloween:
• Check the labels – those attached to the product should show a CE Mark, which means it complies with EN71-2 and meets the European flammability resistant requirements for toys.
• You may wish to also look for swing labels which indicate the costume has undergone BRC’s additional tests. It will say “This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability” which is reassurance the costume is safer than legally required under EN71-2.
• Buy from a reputable retailer– cheap or imported costumes may not meet UK safety standards and, at worst, may carry fake safety labelling.
• Layer up– wear clothes under dressing up costumes, to give a layer of protection between the costume and your skin. This can help protect the skin in the event of a fire incident.
• Don’t let your child go near any ignition sources – sparklers can burn at up to 2,000 degrees Celsius.
• Replace candles in pumpkins with battery powered candles – these are cheap, they don’t blow out and are much safer.
• Teach your child to STOP, DROP and ROLL in the event that their clothing does catch fire.
• In an emergency, cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical assistance.
• If you must use candles, make sure they are securely placed in a correct holder and in a place where they are not likely to be knocked over. Keep them away from curtains, cushions and draughts.
• Make sure candles are extinguished when you go to bed.
• If you are using decorative lights in your home, ensure that electricity sockets are not overloaded and that they’re switched off at the socket at night.
• Make sure you’re aware of the Fireworks Code
The service has also put together some seasonal activities for children on their website |newtab), to help them understand the safety messages.