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AS HALLOWEEN approaches, here are nine top tips to keep your children safe.

Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards has released nine safety tips for the upcoming Halloween celebrations.

Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, member for countryside, culture and communities, said the cautionary suggestions have been set out to remind people of ‘how to avoid a nasty trick during their seasonal celebrations.’

He said: ‘Taking a few cautionary steps helps to avoid an injury or even a life-threatening incident’ especially regarding child safety.

Two cute Asian child girls wearing halloween costumes and makeup having fun on Halloween celebration together.

Russell drew awareness to ‘Checking for safety labelling on spooky costumes and ensuring small button battery compartments are secure’ as well as ensuring the selling of fireworks comply with safety regulations and age restrictions.

Nine top safety tips:

1. Check labels – products e.g., toys and face paints must have a UKCA or CE mark, showing a compliance with safety standards.

2. Take care online – buy costumes etc from trusted retailers.

3. Buy battery powered tealights or glow sticks – for the inside of pumpkins instead of candles.

4. Look over the fire safety Halloween guidance: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

5. Make sure battery powered products are secured by a screw or need two independent actions to open them – button cells swallowed by children can cause serious injury and fatalities.

6. Check toys with strong magnets are a suitable size to ensure they cannot be swallowed by young children.

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8. Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers – check again for the UKCA or CE mark, follow the Firework Code and keep pets and animals inside to avoid frightening them. Ensure that any fireworks bought are stored in a secure place, away from children under 18 and that they are in original packaging.

9. Check that all sweets and treats do not present a choking hazard to children and they are checked over by an adult before consumption.

If there is a problem with a product you have been sold, report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or their consumer helpline online.

For more information, visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/consumeradvice

As Halloween approaches, here are nine top tips to keep your children safe