Halloween safety advice

Halloween can be a lot of fun for children and young people, but it can also be distressing and intimidating for some residents.

If you are going 'trick or treating' please respect and consider others and follow these top tips to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time:

Don’t:

• Go alone - 'trick or treating' is more fun and safer if you go in a small group with friends and family.
• Go into houses - stay on the doorstep where the responsible adult can see you.
• Play pranks that may damage property - this could result in arrest and a criminal record.
• Demand money or intimidate people - Halloween can be a night that some residents dread, so be respectful and polite.
• Throw any objects at people or their property - it's classed as a criminal offence and you will be arrested.

Do:

• Look out for these posters - these will let you know whether 'trick or treaters' are welcome at a house or not.
• Take extra care crossing roads - more accidents happen to children in the dark.
• Get a responsible adult to go with your group to help keep you save.
• Dress to be seen - wear light, reflective clothes or carry a lamp or torch so that drivers and your responsible adult can see you.
• Respect people's rights - be polite, don't go out too late, ring or knock only once, and be prepared to take 'no' for an answer.

Halloween / themed costumes

Children’s Halloween costumes and other seasonal / themed costumes are currently classified as toys. You should check they are UKCA or CE marked to ensure they meet the required safety standards.

All garments have a risk of being flammable, it’s important to keep them away from naked flames.

Adults are also urged to make sure they are not using candles when children and young people are wearing these costumes, as they can quickly become engulfed in flames.

Please stay safe by following our brief advice:

Don’t:

• Wear fancy dress clothing on bonfire night while bonfires and fireworks are alight.
• Burn candles when young children are present.
• Use burning candles in the home when anyone is under the influence of alcohol.
• Leave burning candles unattended or leave them burning while asleep.
• Move a burning candle or tea light.

Do:

• Keep costumes away from naked flames to prevent you or young children from sustaining devastating burns.
• Use LED candles, which display the correct kite mark, as an alternative.
• If you are going to burn candles, it is essential insulated holders are used, to reduce the likelihood of accident or injury.
• Always use a candle snuffer or metal spoon to safely extinguish a burning candle.
• Be aware that draughts from open windows can knock over candles or bend the flame to ignite decorations, curtains or carpets.

If your clothing does catch fire:

• STOP what you’re doing and stay very still
• DROP to the floor
• ROLL backwards and forwards until the flames are out