Remember, Remember – stay safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night

As excitement builds for spooky costumes, trick-or-treating, and fireworks, keeping in mind some simple precautions - especially for people looking after young children – is vital to avoid unwanted scares, injuries, or damage to property. 
 
At this time of year, Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers are also visiting retailers that sell fireworks to ensure this is done safely and legally.  
 
Councillor Kirsty North, the County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Trading Standards, said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night should be fun and memorable for all the right reasons. Our officers are working hard behind the scenes to make sure unsafe products are kept off the shelves and that fireworks are sold responsibly. We can all play a part to avoid any nasty surprises by following simple steps to stay safe especially for any activities involving children.” 
 
Top tips for a safe Halloween and Bonfire: 
•       Check costume labels – Children’s costumes, face paints, wigs, and masks should carry a UKCA or CE mark to show they meet safety standards. Avoid counterfeit or unlabelled items. 
•       Shop smart online – Stick to trusted retailers when buying Halloween outfits or accessories online. 
•       Use safe lighting – Opt for battery-operated tealights or glow sticks inside pumpkins instead of candles with open flames. 
•       Know your fire safety – Review Halloween fire safety advice from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service. 
•       Secure button batteries – Products like battery-operated tealights must have child-safe battery compartments. Button batteries can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. 
•       Check treats carefully – Make sure sweets are age-appropriate and safe for children with allergies. Always read packaging for allergy information. 
•       Stay informed – Keep an eye on the latest safety alerts and product recalls. 
•       Be visible when trick-or-treating – Wear colourful costumes, carry torches, and have someone in your group wear a hi-vis vest. Keep children off the road and hold their hand when crossing. 
•       Buy responsibly – Only purchase fireworks from reputable retailers and look for the UKCA or CE mark. Follow the Firework Code and keep pets indoors. 
•       Store safely – Fireworks should be kept in their original packaging, away from children and teens. 
•       Know the law – Trading Standards officers inspect premises across Hampshire to ensure fireworks are stored correctly and only sold to those aged 18 and over. They also monitor imports at Hampshire ports to block unsafe goods. 
 
If you suspect a product is unsafe or something goes wrong, report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or online through their consumer helpline. 

For more information on the work of Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards, visit: www.hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/consumeradvice