The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued safety advice ahead of Halloween on October 31, offering essential trick-or-treating guidance to help keep families safe.
RoSPA warns that trick-or-treating involves a combination of potential risks, from costumes and toys to the dangers of crossing the road during darker winter evenings.
Costume and product safety concerns
Costumes, particularly those ordered online, could present flammability risks, strangulation hazards, or missing safety information on labels. Research conducted by the Office for Product Safety and Standards in 2024 found that over 80% of costumes aimed at children under seven years failed basic safety tests.
To avoid these risks, RoSPA advises that costumes should always be bought from reputable retailers. It also reminds people that homemade costumes, or those not tested to flammability standards, may ignite more easily and burn more quickly.
Many decorations, flashing toys, and light-up accessories contain button batteries, which can cause catastrophic internal injuries if swallowed. Two children die a year due to this, so parents and carers are urged to check that battery compartments are secure and kept out of reach of young children.
Pumpkin carving and road safety
With pumpkins being a common sight, RoSPA recommends using purpose-designed carving tools to avoid cuts. Carving should be done on a stable surface in good lighting, always cutting away from the body, with any children involved being supervised.
The Department for Transport says that almost 2,500 people were killed or seriously injured on UK roads in October of last year. Halloween is a particularly busy day, with large numbers of children out during the peak evening period when visibility is reduced.
Parents and carers are being encouraged to accompany children and help them cross the road. RoSPA is also reminding drivers to keep an extra cautious eye out for children in residential areas.
Advice from RoSPA
Senior Policy Manager Becky Guy said: "Halloween should be spooky, but it should never be dangerous. From costumes and decorations to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating after dark, there are a number of simple steps families can take to stay safe.
"We urge parents to buy products from reputable retailers, check safety information carefully and pay particular attention to products containing button batteries. And as children head out in the evening, we are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in residential areas.
"A moment's extra care could prevent a serious injury. With a little planning and a few simple precautions, families can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while keeping themselves and others safe."
For more information and safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, visit the organisation's website.
