Families are being warned over the risks of many popular Halloween costumes ahead of the calendar event on Monday.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging households to "be alert" to the fire risks of highly flammable outfits, as well as other dangers. Costumes can easily catch fire, firefighters warn, from naked flames nearby, such as candles, fires, lighters and matches.
This is especially important with fancy dress costumes as many are not manufactured to the same safety standards as normal clothing, meaning they can ignite almost instantly and burn far faster.
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This is why it is crucial to ensure children wearing Halloween costumes are kept well away from naked flames and other heat sources at all times. If you are using Halloween pumpkins, take extra care when lighting them and ensure that no loose clothing is near them at any time, particularly when they are being moved or carried.
Use LED battery-operated tea lights, which do not have a live flame, as opposed to normal tea lights and candles. If you are putting up Halloween decorations, make sure they are placed well away from naked flames or heat sources, and make sure decorations don’t block any escape routes should a fire occur.
Make sure children are never left alone with candles and if you are using an open fire during the Halloween festivities, always use a fire guard.
Joe Cunliffe, station manager at MFRS, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Halloween as safely as possible. We urge people to be careful of how they dress – some costumes bought in shops can be flammable so labels should be checked to see how fire resistant costumes are.
"Keep clear of all flames such as candles and lit pumpkins, which could cause burns or costumes to catch fire."
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