Make Halloween the Right Kind of Scary
Inverclyde Council is backing a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding Halloween costumes.
Trading standards have been working with the Office for Product Safety and Standards to remind consumers of the need to buy fancy dress and Halloween costumes from legitimate sources.
Education & Communities Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “Halloween is a celebration of all things scary and is hugely popular among children adults alike.
“Whether dressing up to go galoshans or heading to a fancy dress party costumes play a huge part in the festivities.
“But while frights might be on the menu it is important everyone stays safe on Halloween and is aware of the potential dangers that come with fancy dress clothing – especially involving children and open flames.”
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued some simple guidance to keeping consumers safe this Halloween:
Make sure costumes meet safety standards. Check that any costume – particularly those for children – meets safety standards. Does the costume have a CE mark, signifying the manufacturer’s guarantee that the products are safe?
When shopping online, buy from a legitimate, UK source, to ensure that the products comply with domestic safety standards. Check there are no active product recalls on the costumes before you purchase them.
Beware of counterfeits - Counterfeit costumes are often made with sub-standard materials that do not meet safety procedures and put the wearer at risk. Always buy your costumes from legitimate sources.
CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, Robert Chantry-Price, said “Consumers should also take care when using candles and naked flames.
“Store-bought and homemade costumes may not be flame retardant and could result in serious injury, which has happened in a number of high-profile cases in recent years.”
• If it is too good to be true then it probably is. Genuine costumes are rarely discounted, do not be fooled into thinking you are getting a good deal. Fake costumes retail for as little as £3.99 on auction sites.
• Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors are a huge giveaway. Traders try to deceive consumers by making slight alternations to well-known brand names.
• Make sure that the seller address and item location match. If a listing claims to have ‘UK Stock’ but then provides an overseas business address or no address at all be wary.