Halloween is an exciting time for children, with around 73.1 million trick-or-treaters taking part in 2020. However, without proper preparation, your home could become a hotspot for accidents or injuries. While your homeowners insurance can cover potential mishaps, it’s best to prevent accidents before they happen. Keep the fun going and make your home safer for visiting ghosts and goblins by following these simple tips:
1. Clear Walkways
Excited trick-or-treaters aren’t paying attention to potential hazards like cords, cracks, or hoses. In the days leading up to Halloween, clear walkways of debris, wet leaves, or any slippery pumpkin leftovers. Before the festivities begin, ensure all paths to your door are safe.
2. Skip the Candles
Real candles in jack-o-lanterns might create the perfect eerie glow, but they also increase the risk of fire. Opt for flameless candles or glow sticks to get the same effect without the danger.
3. Decorate Safely
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 800 structure fires start each year due to decorations. Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper can ignite easily, so keep them away from open flames and heat sources. Also, avoid placing decorations in walkways where they could cause trips or falls.
4. Illuminate Walkways and Entrances
With long costumes, masks, and accessories, trick-or-treaters often struggle to see clearly. Help them safely navigate by turning on outdoor lights and using solar lights or flameless candles along the path to your door.
5. Secure Railings
Children in the U.S. collectively climb about 57.4 million steps each Halloween. Ensure your railings are secure to help prevent trips and falls, especially with so many visitors coming to your door.
6. Hand Out Safe Treats
Stick to handing out individually wrapped candy in its original packaging. Keep in mind that 1 in 13 children has a food allergy. Consider offering allergy-safe options, or participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project by providing fun, non-food treats for children with allergies.
7. Restrain Pets
The constant stream of strangers in costumes can frighten even well-behaved pets, leading to unexpected reactions. Keep pets away from the door and avoid letting visitors interact with them.
8. Consider Extra Protection
If a trick-or-treater is injured on your property and you’re held liable, an umbrella insurance policy can provide valuable extra protection. Contact Goodrich & Watson Insurers, your local insurance agent in Newport News, VA, to learn more about umbrella coverage and how it can safeguard your home.
