FEATURES - Halloween Safety Advice

Features - Feature Articles

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 10:50

Written by Denise Lyons

Halloween is a great time for fun and celebration, but it can be a time of added dangers too - particularly for young children.

There are many child-appealing Halloween products on sale, from fancy-dress costumes to party novelties, but read the warning labels on all items before buying them. These labels give important safety information regarding flammability, age-suitability, toxicity etc.
Fire safety

The bonfire is a big tradition, but make sure children and pets are supervised at all times if you are bringing them to one.

Make sure costumes are flame-resistant or fire-retardant. Avoid flimsy, billowing costumes to reduce the risk of flames catching the material.

Keep your distance upwind and never throw sealed containers on a bonfire, especially if they have had a chemical substance in them.
Fireworks

In Ireland it is illegal to possess fireworks without a licence. It is also an offence to:

* Light unlicensed fireworks
* Throw or direct a lit firework at any person or property
* Possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence

Penalties for offences are very severe, and simply having fireworks in your possession without a licence is liable to a fine of up to €10,000.

Unlicensed fireworks are not only illegal: they may also be of dubious quality and may not comply with manufacturing quality standards and classification requirements.

Sparklers and party poppers can cause burns and eye injuries if not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Their use should always be supervised by adults, and they should not be given to small children.
Halloween costumes

Always be extra careful when choosing Halloween costumes for your children. Here are some simple tips:

* Keep costumes short to prevent tripping
* Look for reflective or light coloured fabrics on costumes, which make children much more visible to passing motorists when out trick-or-treating
* Ensure masks provide good vision, or consider using non-toxic face paints instead
* Make sure that shoes that are part of a costume fit correctly

Many other Halloween-related products for children are also on sale at this time of year.

Accessories such as swords, knives, tridents etc should be made of soft, flexible material to avoid cuts etc in the event of a fall.

Also remember to:

* Read the warning labels and check safety information regarding age suitability
* Ensure face-paint/make-up is non-toxic and where possible hypo-allergenic

Party novelties

When buying party novelties, remember:

* Many party novelties (e.g. sparklers) are not toys and are therefore not suitable for children.
* Look for information regarding the age suitability of the item
* Keep novelties away from younger children if not designed for them
* Check for small parts which could be a choking hazard
* Batteries in toys must be enclosed in a sealed area which a young child cannot open. However, this may not be the case with some Halloween novelties. Check if the batteries can be accessed by younger children, and keep loose batteries hidden away
* Be aware that well-meaning adults may put unsuitable novelties in children's trick-or-treat bags