We want to make sure everyone enjoys a fun and safe Halloween, so we’ve put together a ghoulishly good guide to help you celebrate safely this spooky season.
Whether you’re dressing up for a party, carving pumpkins, or heading out trick-or-treating with little monsters, following a few simple safety tips can help keep the frights firmly fictional.
Costumes
Creepy costumes are all part of the Halloween fun, but it’s important to remember that fancy dress outfits are not subject to the same fire safety standards as everyday clothing and some can be highly flammable.
When choosing costumes:
- Check labels for fire resistance and recognised safety standards.
- Be cautious of very cheap or counterfeit products, which may burn more quickly if they catch fire.
- Keep costumes well away from naked flames, candles and other heat sources.
- Remember: if clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished.
- If someone suffers a burn, cool it under running water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical advice. Remember Cool, Call, Cover.
Pumpkins and candles
A flickering candle inside a pumpkin can create the perfect Halloween atmosphere, but it can also pose a fire risk. Why not consider using LED candles instead? They’re much safer, especially around children, pets, decorations and fancy-dress costumes.
If you do use real candles:
- Keep decorations, costumes and other flammable materials well away from them.
- Place candles securely in suitable holders on stable surfaces.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Extinguish candles before leaving a room, going to bed or leaving the house.
- Never leave children or pets alone with lit candles.
Road safety
Halloween often means more children out and about after dark, making road safety especially important.
For drivers
- Stay alert for trick-or-treaters and pedestrians who may be wearing dark costumes.
- Slow down and take extra care in residential areas.
- Make sure your headlights are on as daylight fades.
- Avoid wearing masks or costumes that could restrict your vision while driving.
- Turn down distractions and stay focused on the road.
- Never drink and drive.
For trick-or-treaters and families
- Choose bright or reflective costumes where possible.
- Carry a torch or wear reflective accessories to help you be seen.
- Stick to familiar routes and well-lit areas.
- Cross roads safely and avoid stepping out from between parked cars.
- Remove masks before crossing roads so you can see clearly.
- Young children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Have a fang-tastic Halloween!
By following a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while helping to keep yourself, your family and your community safe. From everyone at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, we hope you have a happy, safe and spooktacular Halloween!
