SAFETY WARNING issued ahead of Halloween celebrations

The ACCC have issued a safety warning to parents ahead of Halloween celebrations coming up very soon.

The ACCC reminds us all that these days Halloween treats are more likely to be in the form of small toys, lollies or novelty items. It is very important for parents to carefully examine items received by trick-or-treaters under three years of age for choking hazards.

The ACCC’s free do-it-yourself Choke Check tool is an easy way to help you identify toys and other objects that can pose choking or ingestion hazards to young children.

You can download a simple choke check guide from the ACCC website here.

The ACCC also reminds parents before you buy costumes this Halloween check that wigs, capes and loose fitting garments will not pose fire hazards.

Another very important reminder is to keep in mind that flameless candles might be a safer option to give your jack-o-lantern a wicked smile this Halloween but make sure little fingers can’t get hold of those nasty button batteries.

Also be aware of kids around naked flames if you have your pumpkin within reach of little people.

The ACCC have also issued a warning over cheap face paints which may contain lead.

“If children are using products that are applied to their skin such as make-up, face and body paints, or toys that are handled a lot and may leave residues (such as play dough and ‘goo’), ensure you wash them thoroughly from their skin immediately after use.

Get immediate medical attention if children become sick after playing with finger paints, as they may have ingested lead from the paint.

Call an ambulance if children become sick after placing objects in their mouths as they may have ingested lead.”

Have fun this Halloween, but please remember to keep safe. It is a good idea to set some guidelines for your children if they plan to go trick or treating. Safe areas to visit that you can all agree on and where to go if they are feeling scared.

Are you celebrating Halloween this year?

Share your comments below.

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18 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 23 Nov 2022
    10:43 am
My kids always loved halloween and now that they are grown its lovely to have the neighbourhood kids come calling.

- - rovermum said
  - 08 Oct 2018
    9:01 am
The celebration of Halloween in this country has increased ten-fold since my little boy used to love just knocking on a couple of neighbours doors. All harmless fun, that we want to remain harmless fun. A useful article.

- - rachel1970 said
  - 05 Oct 2018
    6:03 pm
I think common sense should always prevail.

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 05 Oct 2018
    9:58 am
We should always keep this in mind! It’s so important.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 05 Oct 2018
    9:46 am
Good ideas and thoughts on this!

- - mom101628 said
  - 04 Oct 2018
    8:33 pm
Very timely warnings by the ACCC. Do hope those giving out treats will take notice.

- - rovermum said
  - 01 Nov 2017
    10:45 am
We were ready and waiting with sweet treats for trick or treaters but only had one group arrive on our doorstep. Ah well, my hubby, son and I enjoyed the spoils.

- - Ellen said
  - 01 Nov 2017
    7:49 am
No we don’t celebrate halloween, but I give my kids a special treat so they don’t have the feeling they miss out.

- - Rachell88 said
  - 31 Oct 2017
    3:33 pm
Such a fun night but it’s important to stay safe as well.

- - robyn_smithwick said
  - 31 Oct 2017
    2:31 pm
Safety is always a priority.

- - ella12 said
  - 31 Oct 2017
    2:10 pm
My little one will be going trick or treating with her Dad.

- - mom160421 said
  - 24 Oct 2016
    10:15 pm
It just seems like a whole lot of trouble to me.

- - june11 said
  - 24 Oct 2016
    9:17 pm
I know some parents who allowed their children to join in the fun but they always went with them for safety but stood out on the footpath and kept an eye on them. They had been warned there was some undesirable “youngsters” causing mayhem a few streets away and some kids had been assaulted.
Why do a few make it bad for the rest of the kids??.

- - mom64356 said
  - 24 Oct 2016
    7:27 pm
Great tips. Yes fire hazards are very dangerous and so are those button batteries, very scary!

- - mom112217 said
  - 24 Oct 2016
    3:12 pm
You do have to be so careful with children under the age of three.