Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service want to make sure you have a happy but safe Halloween, so we’ve put together a ghoulishly good guide to help…
Costumes
Creepy costumes are fun for all, whether it’s for a Halloween party or taking your little pumpkins trick-or-treating. However, Halloween costumes are not subject to the same fire safety checks as normal clothing and some costumes are made from highly flammable materials. If worn near a naked flame, such as a candle or open fire, these can easily catch fire so make sure you check costumes:
- Check the labels on any fancy dress outfits for fire resistance and a registered trademark.
- Remember, cheaper products are more likely to be counterfeit and could burn quickly if they catch fire.
- Keep all fancy-dress costumes away from naked flames.
- Burns and scalds last a lifetime. Remember if clothing does catch fire, stop, drop and roll until the fire is out.
- In an emergency cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical assistance – Remember Cool, Call, Cover.
Candles
Candles used in jack-o-lanterns are a popular choice for families, but parents of young children should consider using LED candles in pumpkins instead of real ones – they don’t blow out, and they are much safer, especially around fancy-dress costumes.
- Keep your decorations and costumes well away from candles.
- Ensure candles are secured in a candle holder and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains, decorations or costumes.
- Always put candles, incense or oil burners out when you leave the room, go to bed or leave the house.
- Never leave children or pets alone with burning candles.
Road safety
Drivers:
- Stay alert for trick-or-treaters or other pedestrians who might be wearing dark clothing or crossing between parked cars.
- Don’t wear restrictive costumes or hats and masks while driving as these can make it tricky to see clearly.
- Slow down and give children time to safely cross the street.
- Make sure your headlights are on earlier in the day so it’s easier to spot children from greater distances.
- Never drink and drive.
- Drive below the speed limit in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours.
- Turn down the radio and stay alert to your surroundings.
Pedestrians:
- Wear and encourage children to wear bright/ light or reflective clothing as part of their Halloween costume.
- Carry a torch so you can be seen clearer.
- Remind children about the rules of crossing safely before they go trick or treating if they’re going unaccompanied.
- Avoid crossing between parked cars.
- Take any masks off before crossing the road so you can see clearly.
- Stay local – encourage children to stick to streets that they know well so they’re familiar with their surroundings.
We hope all of our tips help you to have a happy Halloween and spook safely!
