Warning To Households On Common Halloween Decoration Mistakes

As Halloween approaches it’s finally time for many households to get their previously used decorations out of storage and embrace the spooky season in their homes. Whilst it is practical and efficient to reuse old decorations, many homes may not be aware of how poor storage choices could cause safety hazards at home. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), over 300 accidents involved Halloween decorations in the UK in 2021, highlighting the importance of safe practices this spooky season.

Mark Simpson, Director and storage specialist at Extra Room has put together expert advice to warn Halloween enthusiasts of the mistakes commonly made with item storage and the signs to look out for when unboxing your costumes and decorations this October.

7 common home safety risks for Halloween items

1. Costumes spreading mould and causing fire risks

It can be efficient to keep old Halloween costumes to reuse for future events, however many costumes are made of flammable materials which may not wear well if stored incorrectly. Any costumes made from synthetic materials such as polyester can be incredibly flammable. Fire hazards can be caused if you accidentally store these items near heaters, electrical outlets or other heat sources. Keeping Halloween costumes in cramped and poorly ventilated spaces is also a risk for mould and damp, costumes should be washed, dried and aired before wearing again.

2. Excess dust on electrical wires causing fire risks

Electronic items can easily gather dust and dirt when left in a cupboard, so it’s important to wipe down your lights and electronic items before use with a cloth. To minimise these risks, store your string lights or cables in a cool, dry place and ensure they are not tangled or compressed. Using storage reels or specially designed storage containers can help keep them in good condition.

3. Corroding batteries damaging items left in storage

When items with batteries are left in storage it is quite common for them to corrode, posing a risk to burning eyes or skin exposed to the corrosive residue. Over time, corrosion can cause great damage to your electronic item and leave it irreparable. Before you put any battery-operated items into storage you should always check batteries are removed and if you are getting items out that may have them, check for signs of corrosion before use.

4. Outdated electrical items falling short of safety standards

Electrical safety standards are regularly reviewed and updated, meaning older products may not be as safe as newer versions. For Halloween lighting, incandescent lights were previously a popular choice, but these have been replaced over time by LEDs which are much more energy efficient and a lot safer. Older electrical items may no longer be fit for purpose and may not meet standards set today. Years-old lighting may also have faulty fuses which need replacing. Opting for the wrong size fuse can pose a fire risk so caution is recommended.

5. Electrical items exposed to damp

If you have stored items in areas which are susceptible to rainwater and potential leaks, this could be highly dangerous for your electrical items. Using plastic boxes which are airtight can preserve electric items for longer, reducing the risk of dampness which can be caused by moisture in the air. Allowing items to be stored in moist conditions could lead to your string lights or electrical decorations being damaged beyond repair.

6. Cables and wires could corroding over time

The longer you keep any electrical items, the more they will wear. Every product will have an expiry, so you should routinely inspect cables and wires for decorative string lights and decor appliances to look for signs of corrosion where the wire is exposed underneath the cable. Exposed wires could be an electrocution risk so caution is recommended. If your item looks worn, it is probably time to throw it out and upgrade to a newer version.

7. Wigs and make-up being exposed to bacteria

Hygiene is of utmost importance when storing reusable items such as make-up and wigs. For wigs, they should be washed and thoroughly air dried before you put them back into storage, this avoids the risk of mould building up over time. If you have the hairnet or bag the wig originally came in, wash this and use it to store the wig, place this inside an airtight plastic box to reduce risk of bacteria contamination. Make-up should also be stored free of any dust or bacteria contamination, brushes should be washed thoroughly and dried before being put into storage and all make-up should be kept away from damp and cold environments. Using make-up which hasn’t been stored properly could lead to skin infections or even disease. Room temperature is always best for safe storage.

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