We all agree that responsible neighborhood-centric and fun community-wide events like trick-or-treating can create stronger communities for everyone, but we also acknowledge 2020 comes with a few more concerns this Halloween.
So, in addition to our normal homeowner safety tips this season, we have a few more we want you to consider.
These are our Top 10 Tips for a Safe & Happy Halloween
TIP #1 – COVID-19 considerations
You want to make the night fun and safe for your visitors and your household, so remember:
- wear masks when greeting those trick-or-teators at the door
- only pass out pre-packaged treats - it's best if you hand them out vs letting all the little hands dig around for their own favorites this year
- team up with a family member or friend to help guide visitors to the door if you're in a high-traffic neighborhood so you can help them keep social distancing practices in place
- wash your hands between activities
- and consider passing out treats curbside this year; weather permitting
TIP #2 – containing pets on the property
Whether you're serving up treats at the door or curbside, if you have pets at home you might want to consider keeping them in a comfortable indoor kennel or another room of your home during main trick-or-treat hours. This is not only for the comfort and safety of your visitors but will also help keep your pets from getting too stressed out.
TIP #3 – exterior lighting and etiquette
When it comes to the type of lighting to use, we recommend LED (or battery-powered) candles rather than real flames. Although the glow of a candle in a jack-o-lantern conjures feelings of nostalgia, it's not practical on a breezy/windy evening. Using candle-lit decor will not provide consistent and adequate lighting where you may need it the most and could require your constant and undivided attention.
Some children and new parents may not be savvy to the etiquette of trick-or-treating from home to home, so it’s up to you to be aware of these ‘societal rules’ and help ensure the safety and experience of the evening.
- Turn on all outside lights during the trick-or-treat hours and while you still have treats to hand out.
- Make sure your walkways are well lit.
- Check to make sure lights are operational up to and throughout the event time
- Include a lighted pumpkin on the front stoop if you don’t have a lot of other exterior lighting or decorations. Lighted pumpkins are pretty universal signs of participation.
- Consider using a TEAL pumpkin if you are offering non-candy based treats for children with special dietary needs
TIP #4 – clear debris
TIP #5 – limit decoration placement
Try to keep walkways clear of large, overhanging, or project decorations that could cause someone to trip and fall, or surprise a visitor and potentially cause an overreaction that could bring harm to them.
TIP #6 – storing vehicles
Keep your vehicles parked in the garage if one is available. Not only does it keep your little visitors safe when trying to navigate the driveway or the street in front of your home, but it can protect your vehicle from accidental (or possible malicious) damage on Halloween night.
TIP #7 – property maintenance
Fix loose bricking, buckling sidewalks, or broken handrails on your steps to avoid possible and potential slips and accidents and could make you liable for any personal health care or emergency needs from injured visitors.
TIP #8 – securing entries
If you have multiple entrances to your home, make sure you keep extra doors locked and secure. Keep a watchful eye throughout the evening as distractions are easy this time of year and you don’t want anyone coming into your home through the wrong entry; accidental or not.
TIP #9 – locking up
Shut off all holiday and porch lights, then check all doors and windows to make sure they’re locked, including your garage doors. Finally, activate your security system if you have one before you retire to bed for the evening.
TIP #10 – documentation
Be prudent. Take photos of your property before (and after) festivities so you have visual documentation of the property’s condition before and after in case a property damage claim is required.
