Top 5 Tips on Halloween Costume Safety
As we approach the 31st October, the shops are once again full of costumes for our children to wear to parties, trick or treating or just generally around the supermarket on any random day because they feel like it and we are too tired to argue!
Here are Daisy First Aid’s top 5 safety tips for fancy dress costumes for children…
Tip 1:
Look for costumes that are made from flame-resistant material
Despite many high-profile campaigns, shockingly, a high amount of fancy dress costumes are still not manufactured to the same safety standard as regular children’s clothing. They are often made of material that burns very quickly so always try of pick something that is flame-resistant and carries the CE mark.
Nylon and polyester are both flame-resistant materials and costumes with a single layer of heavier material are much better than those made out of lots of light layers where oxygen can get trapped, feeding a flame.
Tip 2:
Avoid capes/sashes that fasten around the neck
On one level, a flowing cape is another risky fire hazard amongst candles and lanterns.
On another level, if it gets caught, you also have a strangulation risk or even a trip hazard if your little one has little legs. Think Madonna at the Brits – nobody wants that for their kids!
Tip 3:
Dress them in regular clothes under their costumes
This provides a warm layer on a cold October evening and also, importantly gives them an added layer of safety protection if the worst goes wrong and their costume does come into contact with fire. Jeans and a woollen jumper are ideal.
Tip 4:
Minimise fire risks with safety candles and lights
Rather than using traditional candles and naked flames, if you have little ones around then opt for the safety version instead, such as LED candles and LED tea-lights. Available in most good outlets and online stores.
Tip 5:
Think first aid and be prepared before accidents happen
Remember to stop – drop and roll to put out fires before treating burns if needed.
Brush up on how to treat burns properly to reduce scaring and infection – remember that burns need to be cooled and wrapped, removing clothing if possible.
Keep a first aid kit handy in case of accidents so you are ready in an emergency.
Daisy First Aid aim to empower parents and teach them specific skills to help their children. Our 2 hour class is ideal if you have babies or children and would like to know more about burns, poison, bleeding and a range of offer accident and emergency situations.