Halloween Safety

Halloween should be memorable for all the right reasons. Whether you're choosing a costume, decorating your home, carving pumpkins or heading out trick-or-treating, a few simple precautions can help keep children and families safe. 

Choose Halloween Products Safely 

Many Halloween products are bought online or at the last minute, making it easy to overlook important safety information. 

Before buying costumes, decorations, toys or accessories: 

• Check who is selling the product and buy from reputable retailers. 
• Read safety information, warnings and instructions carefully. 
• Make sure the product is suitable for the person who will be using it. 
• Check whether the product has been subject to a safety recall. 
• Be cautious of products that lack clear safety information. 

Taking a few extra minutes before you buy can help reduce the risk of unsafe products entering your home. 

Halloween Costumes and Fancy Dress Safety 

Halloween costumes are designed to be fun, but poorly chosen costumes and accessories can create injury risks. 

Before purchasing a costume: 

• Check that all Halloween and fancy dress costumes carry a UKCA or UKNI marking where applicable. 
• Check that it is suitable for the wearer's age. 
• Read all safety labels and manufacturer guidance. 
• Check for small parts that could be a choking hazard. 
• Check for long cords, drawstrings or loose accessories that could strangle young children 
• Ensure masks do not make seeing difficult. 
• Avoid accessories with sharp edges or points. 

Be aware that homemade costumes or those not tested to recognised flammability standards may ignite more easily and burn more quickly. 

Look for costumes with additional flammability testing 

RoSPA has been working with the British Retail Consortium and its members to develop a voluntary flammability testing standard for children's dress-up costumes that goes beyond current legal requirements. 

Following testing in UK laboratories, costumes meeting this standard should have a burn rate of 10mm per minute, which is three times slower than the current legal standard of 30mm per minute. 

Retailers and manufacturers whose costumes meet this higher standard may include the statement: 

"This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability" on product labelling. 

When shopping for Halloween costumes, also check for UKCA or UKNI markings and follow all safety information provided with the product. 

The initiative also encourages clearer fire safety labelling on packaging and sewn-in garment labels, helping parents and carers make more informed choices when buying Halloween costumes. 

When shopping for costumes, look for products that have undergone this additional testing.

Keep Costumes Away from Heat Sources 

Costumes, wigs and accessories should always be kept away from: 

• Candles 
• Open fires 
• Fire pits 
• Portable heaters 
• Other sources of heat or open flames 

Use Decorations, Lights and Candles Safely 

Decorations play a big part in creating a spooky atmosphere, but they should never compromise safety. 

When decorating your home: 

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the placement and use of decorations. 
• Check decorations, lights and cables for damage before use. 
• Position decorations away from heat sources. 
• Don't place decorations where they might cause people to fall 

If You Use Candles 

If lit candles are part of your celebrations: 

• Always supervise children and pets
• Never allow children to carry, play with, light or reach over candles
• Place candles on stable surfaces away from anything that could catch fire
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Always extinguish candles completely after use
• Avoid carrying pumpkins with lit candles inside.

Beware of Button Battery Risks

Many Halloween decorations, toys and light-up accessories contain button batteries. If swallowed, button batteries can cause serious injuries. 

To reduce the risk: 

• Check that battery compartments are secure. 
• Keep products containing button batteries out of reach of children. 
• Store spare and used batteries safely. 
• Dispose of batteries responsibly and immediately after use. 
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when replacing batteries. 

Act Fast

If you think a child may have swallowed a button battery, seek urgent medical attention immediately. 

For more information on button batteries, visit our button batteries webpage.

Pumpkin Carving Safety 

Pumpkin carving is a popular Halloween tradition, but sharp tools used to carve pumpkins can cause injury. 

To carve pumpkins more safely: 

• Use tools designed for pumpkin carving where possible. 
• Work on a stable surface in a well-lit area. 
• Cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of blades. 
• Closely supervise children. 
• Ensure children only use age-appropriate tools. 

For younger children, decorating pumpkins with paints, stickers or pens can be a safer alternative.

Trick-or-treating 

Many Halloween celebrations, including trick-or-treating take place after sunset, making road safety and visibility especially important. Children wearing dark costumes can be less visible to motorists, particularly in poor weather or on poorly lit streets.

For children and families 

When trick-or-treating:

• Carry a torch to help you see and be seen. 
• Add reflective materials to costumes where possible. 
• Use pavements wherever available. 
• Cross roads carefully and use designated crossing points when possible. 
• Avoid distractions when near roads. 

For motorists: 

If you're driving in the evening at Halloween: 

• Expect more pedestrians, particularly children, in residential areas
• Reduce your speed in areas where children could be present and stay alert
• Take extra care near parked vehicles, junctions and crossing points
• Be especially vigilant in areas with poor lighting.

Everyone has a role to play in staying safe on Halloween. Drivers should expect to see more children out after dark, while children and families should take steps to remain visible when walking near roads. Bright colours, reflective materials and torches can significantly improve visibility and help reduce the risk of collisions.

Don't Forget Firework Safety 

If fireworks are part of your celebrations, follow the Firework Code and ensure they are used safely and responsibly. Visit our Fireworks Safety page for further guidance. 

Enjoy a Safer Halloween 

A little planning can help prevent common injuries and safety issues during Halloween. 

Whether you're buying products online, choosing costumes, carving pumpkins or heading out after dark, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure the only things that are frightening this Halloween are the costumes.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy Halloween responsibly.