Council Issues Halloween Safety Advice

Halloween, the annual celebration of all things scary, is loved by children and adults alike. Whether dressing up to go ‘trick-or-treating’, or heading to a ghoulish fancy dress party, costumes play a huge part in the festivities. But while frights might be on the menu, it’s important you stay safe on Halloween.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council would like to remind residents the dangers surrounding Halloween costumes.

The campaign will inform consumers of the need to buy fancy dress and Halloween costumes from legitimate sources, and check that costumes carry appropriate safety labels. Consumers must be aware of the potential dangers that come with fancy dress clothing, especially involving children and open flames, to avoid facing real horror.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has issued the following guidance to keep consumers safe this Halloween:

Make sure costumes comply to safety standards

It’s important to check that any costume – particularly those for children – meets safety standards. Does the costume have a CE mark, signifying the manufacturer’s guarantee that the products are safe?

When shopping online, buy from a legitimate, UK source, to ensure that the products comply with domestic safety standards. Check there are no active product recalls on the costumes before you purchase them.

Beware of counterfeits

Counterfeit costumes are often made with sub-standard materials that do not comply to safety procedures and put the wearer at risk. Always buy your costumes from legitimate sources.

Tips on how to steer clear of purchasing counterfeit costumes online:

• If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. Genuine costumes are rarely discounted, do not be fooled into thinking you are getting a good deal. Fake costumes retail for as little as £3.99 on auction sites.
• Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors are a huge giveaway. Traders try to deceive consumers by making slight alterations to well-known brand names.
• Make sure that the seller address and item location match. If a listing claims to have ‘UK Stock’ but then provides an overseas business address or no address at all, be wary.

Stay away from naked flames

Fiona Douglas, Head of Environmental Health, said,

“Consumers should take care when using candles and naked flames. Store-bought and homemade costumes may not be flame retardant and could result in serious injury, which has happened in a number of high-profile cases in recent years. Keep yourself and your children safe this Halloween by following the advice given”.

Fore more information, visit www.tradingstandards.uk/news-policy/campaigns/halloween-costume-safety-campaign

Stay safe, stay spooky.