Clear your walkway
Slips and falls are very common on Halloween. Navigating an unfamiliar walkway is tricky enough, make sure your walkway, steps and front door area are well lit and clear of any debris. Liability insurance typically will cover slip and fall injuries, but you don’t want to be a contributing factor to these injuries.
Avoid open flames
Electric candles provide a very homey flicker and no safety hazards. Protect yourself, your guests and your property from fire by eliminating the flame from your decorations and replacing with a safer alternative. Homeowners insurance will protect your property in the event of a fire, but it’s best to avoid using open flames on Halloween.
Secure your furry friend
While your pup may be the best-behaved dog on the block, Halloween may still prove to be too exciting. Not only do animals feel some stress from constant visitors in costumes, but many kids fear animals and dog bites in particular. The safest course of action during Halloween is to confine your pet to another area of the home so they can relax and your visitors will feel welcome.
Discourage vandalism
While the threat of a trick is typically good-natured, there are some vandals that roam about on Halloween. Keeping your home, garage and yard well-lit and locked may provide just enough deterrent to keep them away. Don’t worry, you can look to your homeowners or your comprehensive car insurance for help with claims.
Be kind if you can’t participate
If you’re planning on not being home or choose not to hand out candy during Halloween, there are still ways you can join in the fun and keep your home safe. A fun, festive note on your front door will easily let trick-or-treaters know you’re not home and can help prevent unnecessary doorbell rings or curious guests trying to open your home. Of course, leaving a bowl of candy out in front of your door is a kind way to thank kids for stopping by.
Make sure your home is protected
It’s always a good idea to keep your home protected from the unexpected, but even more so on Halloween when you may have many ghostly guests. Home security systems with cameras or motion-sensitive lights are a great way to proactively keep an eye on your home from anywhere at any time.