Take care this Hallowe'en

Traditional guising or trick or treat celebrations this year will be very different due to the current Covid-19 restrictions. East Lothian Council’s Trading Standards are advising how children can still have fun while being safe.

If your child wants to go guising then they can only be in a group of up to 6 people from two separate households and follow social distancing guidelines by remaining 2m apart.

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant - Children’s costumes should be CE marked which shows that they have been tested against appropriate standards. Please try to buy from well-known and trusted retailers and take extra care when buying online.
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
• Keep children away from and do not allow them to carry naked flames such as candles, pumpkin lanterns and sparklers particularly while in costume.
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

There are many suggestions for new ways of celebrating Hallowe’en this year including spotting pumpkins and Hallowe’en pictures in neighbours’ windows, having ‘trick or treat’ snacks at home and local social media costume competitions.