Hidden Risks of Halloween Costumes

Many Halloween costumes, particularly for children, are made from flammable materials. Classified as toys under British Toy Safety Regulations, these costumes do not adhere to the same fire-resistance standards as regular clothing. Studies have shown that once ignited, some costumes can fully catch fire in under nine seconds. Given that fire-related incidents often surge around Halloween, we urge you to take additional precautions this season.

For instance, the London Fire Brigade’s emergency call data reveals a significant increase in fire-related calls on Halloween night. On October 31, 2022, they responded to 560 emergency calls, a considerable rise from the previous day’s 492 calls—a pattern that repeats yearly, with Halloween calls typically outnumbering those on surrounding days.

To help keep your family safe, here are a few costume safety tips:

• Check Labels: Look for a CE Mark or flammability testing labels on costumes.
• Purchase from Reputable Retailers: Costumes sold by well-known retailers are more likely to comply with UK safety standards.
• Layering: Consider having children wear woolen tights or sweaters underneath costumes to add a layer of protection.

Avoid Open Flames: Keep children at a safe distance from ignition sources like sparklers, fireworks, and candles.

Pumpkin Carving and Decoration Safety

Pumpkin carving is a beloved Halloween activity, but using real candles to illuminate them can be a fire hazard. We recommend opting for battery-powered LED candles to provide the festive glow without the fire risk.

If you prefer traditional candles, please follow these precautions:

• Use appropriate candle holders and place them away from flammable materials.
• Never leave a candle unattended, particularly when children or pets are present.

Fireworks and Sparkler Safety

Fireworks and sparklers can be enjoyable additions to Halloween but can pose serious risks, especially for younger family members. Sparklers, for instance, can reach temperatures up to 2,000°C. According to the London Fire Brigade, incidents related to fireworks tend to peak during autumn festivities. For example, Bonfire Night saw a jump in calls from 492 on November 5 to 670 on November 6 in 2022, highlighting the increased risk during these celebrations.

To ensure everyone’s safety, keep in mind these firework safety guidelines:

• Supervise: Always keep an eye on children when they are near fireworks or sparklers.
• Wear Protection: Ensure children wear gloves and hold sparklers at arm’s length.

Follow Instructions: Store fireworks in a safe location and follow usage instructions carefully.

STOP, DROP, and ROLL

In case of a fire-related accident, practicing the STOP, DROP, and ROLL method can be crucial. Teach children to stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish flames. Cool any burns immediately with water and seek medical attention if necessary.

At AssuredPartners, our dedicated risk management specialists are here to support you in minimising potential losses and ensuring compliance. We take a proactive, personalised approach to your business’s unique risk landscape, increasing resources to positively impact your overall cost of risk rather than reducing them. In the unfortunate event of a claim, we work with you to control expenses through our streamlined claims process.

Handling risk appropriately is crucial, as failure to do so can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions. Our team stays ahead of evolving regulations, ensuring your organisation remains compliant and protected at all times. At AssuredPartners, we take your legal and regulatory responsibilities as seriously as our own.

This Halloween, stay safe and secure—just as we work year-round to keep your business protected. For risk management expertise tailored to your needs, reach out to our team at AssuredPartners.

From all of us at AssuredPartners, have a safe and enjoyable Halloween!

Related articles