As children and families get ready for trick-or-treating this Halloween, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is issuing important advice to ensure the celebrations don’t become scary for the wrong reasons.
The safety charity warns that trick-or-treating in particular involves a combination of potential risks from costumes and toys, as well as crossing the road during darker evenings.
Many Halloween costumes, particularly those from online marketplaces, may present flammability risks, strangulation hazards from cords and drawstrings, and missing safety information on labels. Research by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024 found that over 80% of costumes aimed at children under seven years failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation. Halloween costumes should always be bought from reputable retailers, and RoSPA is also reminding people that homemade costumes or those not tested to recognised flammability standards may ignite more easily and burn more quickly.
Alongside concerns about unsafe costumes, many Halloween decorations, flashing toys and light-up accessories contain button batteries, which can cause catastrophic internal injuries within hours if swallowed. According to the Institute of Health Visiting, two children die each year as a result of button battery incidents. Parents and carers are being urged to check that battery compartments are secure and keep products containing button batteries out of reach of young children.
Pumpkins are a common sight at Halloween, and unfortunately so are cuts from carving them. To reduce the risk of injury, RoSPA advises using purpose-designed carving tools, working on a stable surface in good lighting and always cutting away from the body. Any children taking part should be closely supervised.
Halloween celebrations also take place as darker evenings draw in. According to the Department for Transport, nearly 2,500 people were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in October 2025. Halloween can be particularly challenging for motorists, with large numbers of children out during the evening peak period when visibility is reduced.
As well as encouraging parents and carers to accompany children and help them cross the road, RoSPA is also reminding drivers to keep an extra cautious eye out for children in residential areas.
Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said:”Halloween should be spooky, but it should never be dangerous. From costumes and decorations to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating after dark, there are a number of simple steps families can take to stay safe.
“We urge parents to buy products from reputable retailers, check safety information carefully and pay particular attention to products containing button batteries.
“And as children head out in the evening, we are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in residential areas. A moment’s extra care could prevent a serious injury.”
“With a little planning and a few simple precautions, families can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while keeping themselves and others safe.”
Top Tips for a Safe Halloween
Product Safety
- Buy costumes, decorations and accessories from reputable retailers, particularly when shopping online.
- Check for UKCA or CE markings.
- Read safety instructions and warnings before use.
- Avoid costumes with long cords, drawstrings or loose accessories which could present a strangulation hazard.
- Ensure masks do not restrict vision and check for any small parts that may pose a choking risk.
Fire Safety
- Keep costumes, wigs and decorations away from candles, fireplaces and other open flames.
- Consider battery-operated candles instead of real flames in pumpkins and decorations.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Supervise children and pets around any lit candles.
Button Battery Safety
- Check that battery compartments are secure.
- Keep spare and used button batteries out of reach of children.
- Dispose of batteries safely and responsibly.
- Seek immediate medical attention if a child is suspected of swallowing a button battery.
Pumpkin Safety
- Always cut away from your body and avoid putting hands inside the pumpkin.
- Use specific pumpkin-carving kits if available, or a knife with a shorter blade that’s easier to control.
- Always carve on a stable surface in a well-lit area.
- Make sure knife, hands and pumpkin are dry to reduce the chance of slips.
- Never let children carve a pumpkin without close supervision.
Trick-or-Treating and Road Safety
- Carry a torch to help children see and be seen.
- Add reflective materials to costumes where possible.
- Ensure children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Use pavements and designated crossing points whenever possible.
- Drivers should slow down in residential areas and remain vigilant for children who may behave unpredictably.
