The spookiest night of the year is almost here and kids across Ireland are searching for witch hats, capes and scary masks to put on to go out trick-or-treating.
However, parents have been warned about letting their children wear potentially deadly Halloween costumes that can easily catch fire.
Child health experts said there is an increased risk of burns and firework injuries and bonfire-related injuries for children over the Halloween weekend which is one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services.
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This is often due to kid's wearing highly flammable costumes as well as there being more candles and fire hazards around during the festive spooky season, including bonfires and fireworks.
While many parents may be looking to save money on costumes this year, they have been urged to check that their little one’s fancy dress costume has the CE mark - which means it has met EU safety standards.
Dr Paddy Fitzpatrick, Paediatric Emergency Medicine Consultant at Children’s Health Ireland said: “Halloween can be a very busy night across our sites at what is already an extremely high-pressured and busy time of year.
"Burns and firework injuries are extremely distressing and painful, and can cause lifelong and devastating consequences, so please be careful and cautious when out.
“Halloween can also be a time where there could be increased exposure to alcohol or drugs. It is important that parents take time to talk to their children and young people and give age appropriate advice on how to stay safe. For more guidance visit AskAboutAlcohol.ie.”
Here are some tips for choosing a safe Halloween costume for your child:
Look for the CE mark if buying a fancy dress costumes, this means it has met European safety standards. Looking for a ‘flame resistant’ label is also important as it will protect your child better in the event of any accident.
Make sure costumes fit your child properly. Don’t dress them in oversized shoes or long material that could cause them to trip or fall.
Make sure children wear “normal” clothes under their costume, so that some protection may be given should the costume catch fire; and for added warmth if they are going out trick or treating.
Watch out for costumes or accessories with small parts as they may be a choking hazard for younger children.
Other warnings for parents over Halloween include:
Make sure your child is supervised by an adult when trick or treating. If there is a group of children, having an adult at the front and back of the group is a good way to keep an eye on everyone.
Check your child’s treats and remove treats that could cause choking aren’t in sealed packaging or look suspicious.
Avoid lighting candles around your home as these are a fire risk, try battery-operated candles instead. Make sure button batteries are out of reach of children. If using novelty Halloween lights, check that they have a visible CE mark and have full contact details of the manufacturer and importer.
Plan family fun and activities that don’t include fireworks and do not allow children attend unsupervised bonfires.
Most of the illegal fireworks and bangers on sale in markets and from street traders are manufactured without safety standards and can cause serious injuries to children.
In case of a fire emergency
If your child’s clothes catch fire: get them to stop, drop and roll. This involves them stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands and rolling until the fire is out. If they cannot stop, drop and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.
If their skin gets burnt and it is safe to do so, hold the burnt skin under cool running tap water for 20 minutes and seek medical help right away. In an emergency phone 999 or 112.
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