Trick or treat! We take Halloween seriously. I mean, remember the “Zombie Minnie Mouse” from 2015? Well, I won’t let you forget her.
My boys are equally excited about the spookiest day of the year. They’ve been asking to wear their costumes daily (“for the last time, NO!”) and we’ve already planned out our trick-or-treating route. And, like every mom getting her kids ready for a night of Halloween fun, safety is a top concern.
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs recommends keeping the following in mind this Halloween:
Dangerous Décor: Jack-o-lanterns may be a time-honored tradition, but they also represent a fire hazard. Instead of using a candle, place small flashlight or battery powered candle inside of the Jack-o-lantern. Using a long lasting battery like a Duracell Coppertop Battery will help keep them powered all night long.
This is my favourite tip – especially because three years ago, I witnessed a little girl’s costume smolder and smoke before it almost caught fire. On a very crowded porch, she was pushed to the side where her witch’s cape dipped into a jack-o-lantern with an open top. I realized instantly that a fire hazard like this could be 100% avoided by using a battery-powered candle! I made the switch the very next year and haven’t looked back.
(You can also try a small flashlight with a coloured cling film on top for a super spooky effect!)
Don’t Blow It: When it comes to powering Halloween decorations, it’s easy to go overboard. But overloading extension cords and breakers is a fire hazard and will ruin the night. Be mindful of the decorations being used and when possible, opt for battery powered.
In other words: take it easy on the eerie extras! Dangling cords and tangled wires on the porch are also tripping hazards, especially in the dark.
Costume Considerations: When selecting this year’s Halloween costume, pick brightly coloured costumes that can be clearly seen by motorists. Add wearable reflectors to the costume to increase visibility.
Light the Way: Make sure everyone in the Halloween trick-or-treating party has a flashlight, and trust that on Halloween they will have the power to light their way home with a Duracell Coppertop Battery. This will help make kids more visible to motorists and others. When in doubt, stay in well-lit areas and only visit homes with their lights turned on.
Tip: Kids love holding their own flashlight! Grab a Coleman flashlight to have a fun and safe Halloween.
Strength in Numbers: While always advised to have a parent present, at some point kids will want to trick-or-treat on their own. Give yourself peace of mind and make sure there is a party of at least three people. And, limit trick-or-treating to well-known neighbourhoods.
Finally, the most obvious safety tip is to make sure kids resist the urge to sample the spoils of trick-or-treating until an adult has inspected the candy to see if it has been tampered with. As each year passes, I get more and more strict with my “pass/fail” criteria, but I believe you can never be too safe!
Remember, when it comes to safe trick or treating, a Duracell Coppertop Battery provides long lasting, trusted power when it matters most.
Wishing you all a spooky – and safe – Halloween! If you have any tips you’d like to share, please feel free to leave them in the comments.
This post is sponsored by Duracell, as part of the #TrustedPower campaign. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
we always made sure they took flashlights and I like using those battery powered tea lights
Love your picture!! Duracell is the best to use, they out live any other battery
Make sure your walkways are cleared of leaves and are lite up for the little ones. I use the Duracell batteries to power up my decorations but I always leave the outside lights on too.
Great Halloween tips Lena. I’ll make sure my grandkids carry their flashlight powered by Duracell batteries for safe trick or treating.
Keep to the paths,no hanging parts to trip on carry flashlights and don’t eat anything till checked by an adult.Be safe everyone.
We always stay near lights, out of cars way and we have reflective tape on our backs!
Great tips to stay safe. Have a fun Halloween & hope the boys have fun Trick or Treating!
I am a little nervous, this is the first year my daughter is going Trick-or-treating without me…she is going with a big group of friends!
I absolutely love your idea about using a flameless candle! I actually never thought about it until i read your post, how easy it could be for something like that to happen especially with the groups of kids that ends up making their way onto your porch at the same time. i will have to go pick up a couple today! thanks for the tip!
Flash lights are a great idea
fun night was had by all
This year was the first year I actually bothered dressing up and it made me feel like a kid again! My neighbourhood is pretty good when it comes to trick-or-treating…we all turn our outdoor lights on and move any cars/obstructions out of the way if they are blocking any paths. Love the spirit and how the community comes together!
Great tips for a safe Halloween!
I think zombie Minnie mouse looks SOOO cool!!!
Battery-powered candles are the best. We use them in our pumpkins and through the whole year around the house too!
The older they get the spookier they like it! At least that’s how it’s been with mine.
Since i read this post and the mention of flameless candle,i have been using them and now i don’t have to be worry when the grandkids visit
I don’t even want to think about Halloween but your makeup looks awesome.
I can’t wait for Halloween this year. Hopefully everyone stays safe and has fun!
Love your photo and what will you do this year? Thanks for the wonderful tips it won’t belong before the kids are out!