Fall is in the air and Halloween is right around the corner. So while you are getting ready for the holiday by planning costumes, buying candy and putting up decorations; also take some time to make sure that your home is safe for welcome visitors (trick-or-treaters) and is protected from unwelcome visitors (Devil’s night pranksters). We’ve put together the following list of safety tips and tricks to make sure that your home and family are ready for the holiday!
- Avoid using candles in pumpkins and other decorations, as they can be a fire hazard. Consider using glow sticks or battery powered candles instead. However, if you really want that traditional candlelit pumpkin to complete your Halloween display, only light the candles when they can be properly supervised. Place the pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from flammable objects and away from the walking paths of trick-or-treaters.
- Keep your front porch and yard well lit to help trick-or-treaters find their way to the candy and to prevent pranksters from coming close and making mischief. Replace any burnt out light bulbs and add maybe add some additional lighting to areas like walk ways or porch steps.
- Remove anything that a trick-or-treater or their chaperone could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations from your porch and lawn. The only cuts and scrapes this holiday should be ones that are made of makeup!
- Restrain pets so they don’t accidentally jump on or scare a trick-or-treater. While you know that Fido is friendly and wouldn’t hurt a fly, your visitors don’t. If your pet gets very agitated by visitors, save all humans and animals the stress and keep them inside.
- Consider installing a video doorbell to keep an eye on the front of your home. That way when the doorbell rings, you will quickly be able to tell if it’s cute trick-or-treaters or naughty pranksters.
Since we’re on the subject, let’s talk about one of the most important safety considerations this Halloween; the safety of little ones. Take a look at these handy tips to make sure that kids are safe while they are out trick-or-treating:
- Follow a planned route for trick-or-treating adventures. Instruct children not to cut through yards or alleys while they are walking.
- Younger children should always be accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
- Older children who are going together should always walk in a group and arrive home at an agreed upon time.
- Carry a cellphone for quick communication and review with children how to call 9-1-1 or a parent if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
- Make sure that everyone in the group has a working flashlight.
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