Essential Tips for a Safe and Spooky Halloween at Home

As Halloween approaches, young trick-or-treaters are eagerly gearing up to collect their sweet rewards. Approximately 73.1 million children participated in this delightful tradition in 2022. However, homeowners should be aware that without proper preparation, the visiting goblins, ghosts, and ghouls could be at risk of accidents or injuries. Ensure Halloween remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all by taking the necessary steps to minimize risks for children and their parents around your home.

1. Clear Pathways: In their excitement to reach your doorstep, young trick-or-treaters are unlikely to watch out for trip hazards like electric cords, cracks in concrete, or garden hoses. It’s advisable to clear your walkways of such potential obstacles in the days leading up to Halloween. Prior to the arrival of trick-or-treaters, make sure to remove debris, wet leaves, snow, or slippery remnants of pumpkin carvings from your walkway and steps.
2. Replace Candles: Rather than using real candles to create spooky lighting within your jack-o’-lanterns, consider safer alternatives like glow sticks or battery-operated candles. Flameless candles can create the same flickering effect without the risk of fire.
3. Safe Decorating: According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 800 structure fires originate from decorations each year. In homes, 44 percent of decoration-related fires occur because decorations are too close to heat sources. Materials such as dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper can easily catch fire, so ensure they are kept away from open flames and other heat sources. Additionally, keep walkways, entryways, and exits free from obstructive decorations to prevent trips, slips, or falls.
4. Illuminated Pathways: Halloween costumes often involve long dresses, masks, glasses, and other elements that can impair visibility. To help trick-or-treaters locate your front door, illuminate your outdoor area with bright outdoor lights and solar lights or flameless candles along the walkway.
5. Secure Railings: Trick-or-treaters in the U.S. collectively climb approximately 57.4 million steps every year. To prevent potentially harmful trips and falls, ensure that the railings on your steps and porch are secure.
6. Safe Candy: When handing out treats, ensure that everything is wrapped in its original packaging and avoid items that could pose a choking hazard. Given that approximately 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, consider selecting candy without allergens. The Teal Pumpkin Project by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offers a fun way to make Halloween safer for trick-or-treaters with food allergies by providing non-candy items.
7. Control Pets: With strangers dressed in frightening costumes approaching the door, even the most well-behaved pets may become scared and react aggressively. Keep your pets away from the door and discourage visitors from attempting to pet them.
8. Consider Extra Insurance: In the unfortunate event of a trick-or-treater getting injured on your property and you being held liable for the injury, an umbrella insurance policy can offer the extra protection you need. To learn more about umbrella coverage, get in touch with your independent insurance agent.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Halloween celebrations are both spooky and safe for everyone involved.