Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is supposed to be a time of fun, whether you’re a parent taking your kids out to trick-or-treat or a homeowner who loves handing out candy to all the ghouls, goblins, superheroes, and princesses. Make sure Halloween stays fun for everyone by following these safety tips before the doorbell starts ringing.

Lighting

With so many kids traipsing up and down your walkways, make sure their way is brightly lit. The last thing anyone wants is someone to trip and hurt themselves. That will ruin everyone’s night and may require you to contact your homeowners’ insurance agent to report the injury. Use pathway lights and motion sensor lights, and make sure your front door is well-lit for trick-or-treaters.

Decorations

Decorations are fun to look at and great for bringing smiles or scares to the local neighborhood. If you plan on covering your lawn in Halloween fun, tape or rope off the area to help trick-or-treaters avoid the area. Secure any large decorations, like inflatables, so they don’t blow away or get knocked over. Make sure you don’t drape fabric over light bulbs as the heat can start a fire. Also, avoid using real candles in your pumpkins. Instead, opt for LED lights or battery-operated candles.

Walkways, Driveways, and Your Yard

A few days before and on Halloween day, take a walk around your property, especially the walkways, driveway, and yard where trick-or-treaters will likely walk and run. Pick up anything that could pose a tripping hazard and put away anything you don’t want to break. Fill in holes and, if possible, get rid of tree roots that are hard to see in the dark.

Pets

Our pets don’t understand what all the fuss is about on Halloween. All they know is that the doorbell never stops ringing and strangers keep coming to the door. Many pets get overly excited and even anxious with all the commotion. Dog bites are a very real possibility, as is your pet getting loose and running away. Put your dog in their crate or in another room until the trick-or-treaters are gone for the night. This will keep everyone, including your pet, safe.

No one wants to end their Halloween night with a trip to the emergency room or on the phone with their insurance agent. Taking steps before trick-or-treaters arrive will help make sure everyone has a good time and makes fun memories.