Halloween Safety Tips (And A Duracell Giveaway)

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it's time to start thinking about the holiday season and all things festive—but first, Halloween! I get so excited for Halloween, and not just because I'm a mom. I love figuring out what costume to wear (I'm Harley Quinn this year!) and I love seeing what my boys are going to dress up as, too. (This year, they're going as a hot dog and a banana. Totally their idea).

I get nervous on Halloween, especially because my boys are getting older and wanting more independence. They'd be happy to walk the streets on Halloween night with friends and leave me behind to pass out candy at home. I've seen one too many Halloween movies to let them go out alone on the 31st, though.

With all the excitement that comes with Halloween, it's important to remember to be safe, especially since so many children are walking the streets at night, sometimes without parental supervision. Along with (very large) bags to store all the Halloween candy the kids receive as they go trick-or-treating, I always make sure we've got flashlights with us—with Duracell Coppertop Batteries inside to ensure the flashlights last for hours.

This Halloween, Duracell and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) are reminding us all to stay safe.

Here are some tips on staying safe on Halloween:

Keep The Décor Safe: Carving pumpkins is a lovely tradition for most families, (so is roasting pumpkin seeds!) but to keep it safe, instead of placing lit candles inside the jack-o-lantern, use a flashlight or small battery operated candle instead. This is great because Duracell Coppertop Batteries will keep your pumpkins powered and lit all night long—even if it's a windy night.

Don't Blow It: Don't you love walking by homes that go all out with their Halloween decorations? Some homes are so spooky, we almost want to avoid them! If you're planning on turning your home into a haunted house this Halloween, don't go overboard. Overloading extension cords and breakers is actually a fire hazard and will ruin the night for you—and the trick-or-treaters. Be mindful of the decorations you're using, and try to stick to battery-powered decorations instead.

Costume Considerations: By Halloween night, it's usually cool enough that we wear a sweater or jacket over our costumes. Whether we're covered up to stay warm or not, all trick-or-treaters should consider wearing bright coloured costumes that can be seen by motorists. Add reflective tape to costumes, too, to increase visibility in the dark.

Light The Way: I already mentioned that we never leave home without our trusty flashlights with Duracell Coppertone Batteries inside, because I would hate to be stuck on some dark and spooky road without extra light to guide our way back home. Carrying flashlights is a great way to stay visible to motorists and other people on the streets. Also important: stay in well-lit areas. I don't know about you, but Halloween is scary enough.

Stick With A Party: As much as my boys want to go out alone, I'm going to be walking behind them, whether they like it or not, for my peace of mind, and for their safety. They'll also go out with a group of friends like they do every year, which makes it more fun for everyone, and safer.

Know Your Route: There is always a couple of homes that are famous for giving out the best treats on Halloween, and it's tempting to go around collecting as much candy as possible—but make sure you stick to a well-known routine in your neighbourhood.

Check Candy: Before the kids bite into anything, make sure you check to make sure what they've received is safe. It's also advised that you taste your favourite treats, too, and take whatever you like best after the kids have gone to bed.  After all, you worked hard for it, too!

To ensure you have a happy and safe Halloween, I'm giving away a great prize pack from Duracell! This giveaway includes Duracell Quantum batteries, a Coleman flashlight, and wearable reflectors to make sure your entire family stays safe and has fun this Halloween.

To enter to win, leave me a comment telling me what you're dressing up as this Halloween (or if you're the lucky one staying home to give out the candy!)

I'll pick a winner randomly and contact that person on October 17th, 2016. (So remember to leave your email address in your comment).

Bonus entry number one: Follow Duracell on Twitter and tell me in a separate comment.


Bonus entry number two: Follow me on Twitter and Instagram and tell me in a (third) separate comment.


Good Luck—and Happy Halloween!




Disclaimer: I've partnered with Duracell on this campaign and have received compensation for this post. All views and opinions are my own.