Trading standards officials in Trafford are calling on families to be wary of Halloween costumes made of synthetic fabrics, that could catch fire around flames.
The rapid rise of fast-fashion e-commerce sites that sell an array of seasonal costumes, décor and props is a concern to trading standards officials.
According to You Gov, 47% of Halloween costumes are now bought online – and those from overseas sellers that do not meet UK standards can cause the biggest risk.
The warning extends to younger adults, as they are more likely than older people to spend money on costumes and accessories.
For the two in five people who make their own outfits, caution is also urged around candles and flames – especially when using fabrics or decorations that are not designed to be worn.
BBC TV presenter Claudia Winkleman publicised the risk of flammable outfits after her daughter Matilda suffered severe burns when her Halloween outfit caught fire in 2014.
Child Accident Prevention Trust says regardless of where they are purchased, most fancy-dress costumes are not manufactured to the same safety standards as normal clothing, meaning they can ignite almost instantly and burn far faster – making it crucial to ensure children are kept well away from naked flames and other heat sources.
However, cheap, imported costumes from some online sellers may not meet UK regulations so it is safer to buy from a reputable seller.
UKCA or CE marks, which purport to show a garment has been tested for fire safety and should burn more slowly, are not always reliable.
The British Retail Consortium has introduced stricter fire safety tests for children’s dressing-up costumes. Shoppers should look for a label that says: “This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability.” Wearing ordinary clothes under dressing-up costumes, too, can offer some protection.
On catching fire, a child’s instinct would be to run, so parents and carers are urged to encourage children to practice stopping, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over a few times to put out flames.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:
“When shopping online the best check that you can make is to scroll down and see a UK address for the supplier. When only an address overseas is given, this means it is unlikely that goods will meet UK standards.
“We want people to have fun on Halloween and make memories – and stay safe while they are doing so.”