AS HALLOWE'EN approaches, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding parents to protect their children from flammable fancy dress costumes.
Cheaper outfits sold online or from less well known brands, are more likely to be counterfeit and could burn quickly if they catch fire, says the service.
Children’s costumes have to meet a safety standard so that flames can’t spread faster than 30mm per second. This is to ensure there is time to remove the costume or extinguish the flames before a child is seriously injured.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s, Area Manager for Community Safety, Stew Adamson said: “We aren’t trying to spoil your Hallowe’en fun, we just ask that parents keep their children well away from naked flames and ask that when picking a costume it is fit for purpose.
“And instead of using candles in a pumpkin, especially as a way to greet trick or treaters outside your home, you could opt for battery powered LED tea lights. These are much safer and reduce the risk of burns, and can last a lifetime.”
If you were to have an accident and you or your child’s clothes caught fire remember to stop, drop and roll until the fire is out.
n an emergency cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical assistance by contacting the emergency services on 999.
For more information on how you can keep safe this Hallowe'en please visit www.hantsfire.gov.uk/halloween