With Halloween around the corner, if you're going to be celebrating, make sure it's more treats than tricks with these top ten tips for a 'spook-tacular' and safe time from Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service
Check the labels of costumes and other toys including face paints, wigs or masks - products must have a UKCA or CE mark which means the product complies with the required safety standards β avoid buying fake items
Take extra care if buying your Halloween outfits online - try to buy from well-known and trusted retailers
Consider battery operated tealights or glow sticks inside any pumpkins rather than tealights or candles
Familiarise yourself with fire safety guidance at https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/.../leisure-and.../halloween/
For any products using button battery cells (such as tealights), ensure the battery compartments are not directly accessible β the cell batteries should be either secured with a screw or require two independent actions to open them. Button cells have been swallowed by children resulting in serious injuries and fatalities
For any toys containing strong magnets, check to make sure that they are of a size that cannot be swallowed by a child. Like button cells, strong magnets have also resulted in serious injuries and fatalities involving children
You can check the latest safety alerts and product recalls here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-recalls-and-alerts
If buying fireworks a reminder to only buy from reputable retailers and look for the UKCA or CE mark β follow the Firework Code and make sure pets and other animals are safely indoors
Store fireworks securely in the original manufacturer's packaging and keep away from children and under 18s
Check sweets and edible treats are suitable for smaller children and do not present a choking hazard
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