Halloween Industry Association

About The Halloween Industry Association

The Halloween Industry Association (HIA) was formally incorporated in 2005 as a 501(c)(6) trade organization to promote and build the celebration of Halloween in the United States. HIA represents businesses involved in the manufacture, importation or distribution of Halloween products including costumes, décor, novelty items and party supplies. HIA has grown to become the premier authority on Halloween and serves as a non-profit voice of the industry.

Click here for a list of HIA Members

Halloween Next Year and Beyond

• 2010 Sunday
• 2011 Monday
• 2012 Wednesday
• 2013 Thursday
• 2014 Friday

Information for Consumers

The Halloween Industry Association (HIA) is proud to distribute a list of Halloween safety tips and information on costume flammability. The HIA, a nonprofit trade association incorporated for building and promoting the celebration of Halloween, provides these tips to ensure that the holiday is as safe as it is fun.

Please note: This is a temporary website for the HIA as we build our new site. The new HIA website will include safety information, tips and information about the celebration of Halloween for holiday enthusiasts.

Click here for a printable version of Trick or Treat Tips

Click here for a printable version of costume flammability information

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM THE HIA

PRE-HALLOWEEN PREP

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Mask should fit securely and allow proper site lines.
• If using makeup, be sure it is non-toxic.
• Decorative hats should fit properly and not slide over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Provide cell phones and teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

SHOWTIME: THE BIG NIGHT

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Trick or Treat in the late afternoon or early evening.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Children should stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

TAKING STOCK

• Examine all treats carefully for unpackaged items, torn packaging, pinholes, off-color odor or questionable appearance when inspecting Halloween candy. If anything is suspicious about the treats, report it to the police. When in doubt, throw it out
• Remember, all treats do not have to be consumed Halloween night. Save treats for the days and weeks ahead!

COSTUME FLAMMABILITY INFORMATION

Monsters and princesses and super heroes, oh my…choosing a Halloween costume is just plain fun! The Halloween Industry Association (HIA) wants it to be a safe holiday too and offers tips to ensure fire safety. Costume flammability has received increased attention over the past few years. HIA encourages parents to purchase flame retardant costumes to protect their children.

When Shopping for Costumes
Become an informed consumer by checking labels and knowing your materials. Look for costumes, beards and wigs labeled “Flame-Resistant”—nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics will catch fire and burn more quickly than most synthetics. If the costume specifically states that it is “flame-retardant” on the package or the label, it is made of materials that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. HIA highly recommends that in addition to purchasing flame retardant costumes, parents also review the Stop-Drop-Roll burn prevention. All costumes can burn when exposed to an open flame or other fire sources.

If the package says “keep away from flame” or offers no warning or guarantee, it should be assumed that the costume’s material is flammable, and is not appropriate for a child.
If you plan to make a costume, use flame proof materials, treat with a flame retardant fabric spray, or use the following flame retardant solution recommended by fire departments:

Wash material and mix the following:
4 oz. Boric acid
9 oz. Borax
Dissolve in one gallon warm water
Soak costume, let drip dry

While the incidence of costumes catching fire is low, it does happen, and common sense should be used during Halloween festivities.

Other Factors to Consider

Keeping safe means being conscious of the environment. Trick or treat bags, paper accessories and extra long costumes are also quick burners and conduits for disaster. Since they are carried close to the ground, they can easily come into contact with candles and other open flames.

Whether strolling through the neighborhood or celebrating at home, parents should keep a close eye on trick or treaters when lit candles are present. In the home, candles should be placed out of the reach of children. When outside, children should be warned to keep within a safe distance of open flames.

With attention to detail, Halloween will be fun and safe for all.