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Halloween Horrors – Kids’ Dangerous Costumes Warning
The Office for Product Safety & Standards has asked all responsible publishers to raise an urgent alarm to parents planning to buy kiddies’ Halloween costumes this weekend, particularly online, as there is an 80% failure rate.
The OPSS is warning members of the public to be vigilant following tests carried out on a range of Halloween fancy dress costumes for children. 128 costumes aimed at under seven years olds found more than 80 per cent failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation from cords.
Costumes were purchased from a range of online marketplaces and tested against the Safety of Toys Regulations 2011. All those which failed have since been removed from sale by the platforms.
The OPSS is now urging the public to always buy costumes from trusted sources. And, regardless, to take care when near fires, particularly open flames.
Head and neck drawstrings or cords can also strangle or entrap children so always check for long cords or other strangulation hazards.
Says OPSS chief executive Graham Russell: “Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, yet our tests show many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please warn your readers to take extra care before they buy.”
Stay safe this fireworks season
The Office for Product Safety & Standards has also issued guidance to purchase, use and dispose of fireworks safely and responsibly and considerately to help protect both people and animals.
You must only buy from licensed sellers
Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed or registered in-store and online retailers. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites. Remember it is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks.
Choose traditional dates and keep to the curfew
People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates. The firework curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1:00am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year and 11:00pm the rest of the year. Firework timings may differ in Scotland. Search ‘fireworks’ on gov.scot for more advice.
Follow the instructions carefully
Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy it up and soak it in water overnight. Then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.
Check what fireworks you can use at home
Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are on sale to the public depending on the safety distance required. Check the labelling to ensure you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it.
Always follow the Firework Code. Search ‘fireworks’ on gov.uk for more advice.
Think of local animals before setting off fireworks
If you plan to let off any fireworks, let your neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.
If you live close to horses, let their owners know well in advance that you are letting fireworks off. Site your fireworks well away from them and aim them in the opposite direction. It is important to be considerate to horse owners as they cannot easily move horses away from fireworks.
Notify nearby farms and stables if you are planning to use fireworks. Do not let off fireworks if they will disturb wildlife habitats or roosting bats and birds.
Keep your pet safe
On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.
All readers are welcome to send a link in this article to employees, colleagues and friends and family. You are also most welcome and cut and paste this into emails or your own websites.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
24th October 2024