5 Tips for a Sweet and Safe Halloween

This weekend will see millions of people happily descend upon the streets in their costumes to celebrate Halloween 2016. The American-influenced holiday has seen a rapid rise of popularity over the past decade - largely influenced by cult TV shows and films like Harry Potter, Twilight or the Vampire Diaries - and is now the third biggest commercial holiday here in the UK, placed only behind Christmas and Easter. 

To help you ensure your Halloween is as safe as possible, we've provided 5 simple tips you can use to reduce risk to you, your party guests and the wider community. 

5 Tips for a Sweet and Safe Halloween 

1. Check your Costume 

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman made headlines in 2014 when her daughter accidently brushed her Halloween costume past a candle, causing it to go up in flames and leaving Matilda with severe burns to her legs and in need of reconstructive surgery. The incident prompted the UK government to tighten flame retardant standards of Halloween costumes and brought to public attention that the risks associated with Halloween costumes are not to be ignored. 

Mark Gardiner, product safety expert with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute urges people to check that the labels and packaging of their costume states the manufacturer’s name, address and registered trademark so the item can be traced. It should also state that it complies with local safety standards and regulations and has a CE mark. As a user, always be mindful of your surroundings when wearing a Halloween costume and avoid standing near open flames and have any loose items securely fastened. 

2. Identify trip hazards

Trick-or-Treating, the epitome of Halloween. Unless you live in a rural environment, chances are you will be encounter the pitter patter of tiny ghouls, ghosts and witches upon your door armed with sweet bags, so be prepared. Walk the perimeter of your property and make sure any loose extension cables, stray water hoses or plant pots are safely tucked away so trick-or-treaters have clear route to their sweets. 

3. Fire Safety

Although we can’t ever image Halloween without our trusty pumpkins, using open flames of any sort always carries a potential fire hazard, especially when other flammable objects are in close proximity, such as cobwebs, crepe paper or costumes. The fire protect online website has lots of tips and information on how to reduce fire risk, including using battery operated candles or LED lighting as an alternative to a lighted flame.

4. Electrical Safety

Decorations are a fundamental part of Halloween celebrations. It is important to ensure electrical safety is considered when choosing the right decorations for your house. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidance to ensure best practices are followed. 

Ideally, you don't want to leave any decorations plugged in for too long or overnight. Leaving decorations plugged in and unsupervised can increase the chance of an electrical malfunction due to overheating. In addition to overheating, overloaded plug sockets and extension cables can prove equally as dangerous.

5. Don’t Drink and Drive

Halloween has a reputation as one of the most alcohol-fuelled days of the year. If you’re one of the millions heading out to a Halloween party this weekend, plan ahead. Arrange how you are going to get home beforehand and stick to it. Check out the many resources available about alcohol, including an infographic, alcohol safety tips for hosting a monster Halloween bash, social graphics, and links to additional drinking and driving safety resources here.