Press Release

Council Warns Of Halloween Hazards

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Halloween is a special holiday and a fun time for parents and children participating in the city’s Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival, however, there are still some potential health and safety risks parents should be aware of as every year children and adults are injured in Halloween-related accidents.

Each year Derry City Council’s Environmental Health Department carries out seasonal surveys to ensure the safety of products sold at Halloween. This involves the inspection of Halloween wigs, hats, masks and capes for flammability, as well as other products such as fake blood, make-up, tattoos and toy axes and swords.

The Chief Environmental Health Officer, John Meehan warned that parents should always check that such products are CE marked and that children are kept away from naked flames when in Halloween costume.

He explained: “The public should be especially aware of items sold as a ‘carnival item’ and ‘not a toy’ and marked ‘not for children under 14’ as flammability standards do not apply to them. These carnival items usually say ‘keep away from fire’ and should not be given to children to wear.”

“To minimise the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, the public should avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Costumes should be designed so that they are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. Taking part in Halloween activities in the evening can present an additional risk to young children when you consider that most of their time spent outdoors is usually during daylight. If children are unused to being out at night this and excitement can make crossing roads particularly dangerous,” he said.

He added that children are less likely to accurately assess the potential dangers of traffic and cannot anticipate driver behaviour. Their height also makes them harder to see and they cannot move as quickly as adults to avoid possible injury. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light coloured or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.

Parents should also consider that: -

• Costumes should be short enough so that children won’t trip and fall.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Mother’s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them slipping over children’s eyes.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be made of soft flexible material.

Fireworks bought from unlicensed retailers could severely injure or kill. They are usually badly made and do not conform to British Standards.

When buying fireworks, only buy from a licensed retailer. All retailers must have on prominent display their original certificate of registration and warning notice saying, ‘It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 16.’

If you suspect that a retailer is selling fireworks illegally, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111. Your call is free and you do not have to give your name.

Remember if using fireworks follow the Firework Safety Code:

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit
• Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors

By following the advice, you and your children can enjoy a hazard-free Halloween and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

For further information contact: The Environmental Health Department, Derry City Council, 98 Strand Road, Derry. Telephone Number 028 71365151

Or gather more information on fireworks at: www.saferfireworks.com

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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