The spookiest eve of the year is nearly upon us, and for all our little (and medium sized) ones, it’s a thrilling night of barely contained excitement.
But to ensure a safe and sound Samhain celebration all around, it can be well worth taking the following safety advice into account:
Costumes
A lot of costumes are made from synthetic and highly flammable fabrics. When you also take into account that many of these have generous amounts of material (wings, capes, ankle length skirts), it is easy to see how these can get caught up in obstacles, trip a child and flow out and into any open flame.
This is what Fergal O’Leary, Director of Communications and Consumer Help with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, has to say about Halloween safety:
“Look for costumes that are labeled with the CE mark and the flame resistant label (EN-71-2), which show that the manufacturer has complied with national and international standards.”
Be aware, though, that the label doesn’t mean that these items won’t catch fire, but it does indicate that they will resist burning, and they should extinguish quickly once you get them away from the fire source.
“All masks and other Halloween props should have a visible CE mark. If you are buying face paint that is marketed at children then they should also have a CE mark. Always check the packaging displays clear ingredients in English.”
Fire and flames
In fairness, NO child should be anywhere near a candle, tealight or real flame fire that is not completely contained. Lanterns can become hot enough to scald, and paper lanterns can be hazardous for hair and outfits. Even a tealight inside a carved-out pumpkin can cause serious damage if it falls over. To be safe, stick to battery powered LEDs.
“Novelty Halloween lighting similar to Christmas lights are now popular to buy”, explains O’Leary. “All electrical products sold in the EU must comply with safety standards and have a visible CE mark.”
Sweets
For younger children, sweets and especially eating them on the go can be a massive health hazard. Be sure to inspect the sweets your children are given, and remove anything you don’t like the look of, especially sweets not in their original wrapper.
Why not do a trade deal with your children? They give you some sweets (that you can bin) in return for a small gift, games time or even a trip to the ice skating rinks that are starting to open around the country these days. It’s a win-win.
The dark
Many children and their parents will walk around roads after dark this evening, so opt for bright colours and reflective material. Reflective armbands are great too. Another smart trick to stay safe is to hem shop-bought costumes to the correct length for the child.
Masks can be pretty obstructive for a child’s vision, making non-toxic face makeup a better choice.
Also, don’t let your child bring anything out or into someone’s home that could injure another child, including long pointed sticks, devils forks, solid swords, blades or authentic looking weapons of any kind.
The area
Agree which streets and estates your children are allowed to walk into to before they set out, and always accompany younger children. Bring a torch to light the way, especially if you are walking streets that are less than well-lit. Give instructions on where to meet and what to do should someone get separated from the group.
Stay on the pavements, and in rural areas be extremely careful when walking on any unlit roads.
If older children are going out unaccompanied, appoint a leader and keep repeating until they KNOW the rules. Remind children and teens to stay on the streets they know and to only knock on doors where the house is lit.
Also inform your kids to under no circumstances enter the house of anyone, but close friends and family sanctioned by parents — instead stay in the group on the step.
Do NOT perform any ‘prank’ on householders, regardless of what they give or don’t give out.
Fireworks and bonfires:
Fireworks are illegal in Ireland, but every year children are still injured as a result of them. Misuse rather than malfunction is usually to blame. Bangers, although very common, are also illegal – and packed with explosives. The potential to burn and harm children is vast, so make sure you talk to your children, especially tweens and teenagers about these.
Illegal bonfires are often organized locally, despite great efforts made by the Gardai to avoid these. Take a stand and bring the family to a legal firework or bonfire event instead.
Now, here’s to a happy, fun and SAFE Halloween all around!
