HSE Issues Halloween Safety Tips as Families Prepare for Mid-Term Celebrations

The HSE's mychild.ie has released essential safety guidance for families ahead of Halloween, with advice on preventing injuries during trick-or-treating, costume safety, and what to do in emergencies.

As Cork families prepare for Halloween festivities this Friday, the Health Service Executive has published comprehensive safety advice to help parents and children enjoy the mid-term break without mishap. The guidance covers everything from costume selection to dealing with trick-or-treaters at the door.

Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead, HSE Child Health Public Health and Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said:

"Halloween casts a spell of excitement for families every year with costumes, pumpkins, trick or treating and lots more. Our message is to everyone is to keep health and safety in mind this mid-term to help prevent injury or harm, and limit stress, during this magical time."

The HSE emphasises that checking trick-or-treat bags for choking hazards is crucial, particularly for children under five. Small, hard sweets including fruit gums, jellybeans and lollipops pose risks, along with marshmallows, popcorn, chewing gum, whole nuts and small hard chocolates.

For those expecting trick-or-treaters, the guidance recommends using battery-operated candles rather than real flames, as children's costumes can easily catch fire. When giving out treats, nut-free options are preferable, and sweets should be appropriate for young children's ages.

Dr Thomas Roux, Specialist Registrar, HSE Child Health Public Health, said:

"If you are expecting trick-or-treaters to call to your door, make it spooky but safe. Do not leave lit candles unattended around your home or garden. Use battery-operated candles instead."

The HSE advises parents buying costumes to check for the CE mark and 'flame resistant' label. Oversized shoes or long material that could cause trips should be avoided, and accessories should be checked for small parts that could pose choking risks for younger children.

With darker evenings now upon us, the guidance stresses the importance of visibility. Both adults and children should use reflective strips, high visibility clothing and torches when out trick-or-treating. Drivers are reminded to slow down and watch out for children in dark costumes.

Button batteries, found in some Halloween toys and decorations, should be kept out of children's reach as they are harmful if swallowed and present a choking risk. Regular tooth brushing is particularly important after trick-or-treating to protect dental health.

The HSE recommends that groups of children trick-or-treating should have an adult at both the front and back of the group for supervision.

In the event of a costume catching fire, the advice is clear: stop, drop and roll. Children should stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover their face with their hands and roll until the flames are out. If they cannot do this, flames should be smothered with a blanket or towel. Burnt skin should be held under cool running tap water for 20 minutes, and medical help sought immediately.

The HSE also reminds parents that children need daily vitamin D supplements during darker winter months, from Halloween to St Patrick's Day, to maintain healthy teeth, bones, muscles and immune systems.

In any emergency, the public should phone 999 or 112. The Poisons Information Line operates from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, on 01 809 2166.

Additional child health and safety resources are available at mychild.ie, while urgent and emergency care information can be found at hse.ie.