It’s nearly Halloween, and that means Trick-or-Treaters may be about to ring your doorbell. If you plan on handing out candy this year, we have nine tips to get ready.
- Clear the walkways. Toys, rakes, errant stones—clear them all out of the way before trick-or-treating starts. A quick clean-up is one of the easiest ways to make your home safer.
- Light it up. Turn on your exterior lights, including any flood lights, to help create a safe path for trick-or-treaters.
- Corral your pets. A constantly opening and closing door makes it easy for pets to escape and possibly harm a child. A better idea is to keep pets in a secured room or wing of the house.
- Lock all other doors. Mischief can happen when you’re doling out candy, so play it safe by locking all of your other doors including garages and cars. The FBI reports that approximately 30 percent of all burglaries are committed without force courtesy of an unlocked door or window.
- Check your railing. If it feels rickety, take the time to secure it in place.
- Skip candles. Yes, they make your pumpkins look cool. But it’s not worth the fire risk when you consider all the draping costumes and accessories that will whiz by the flame.
- Consider your candy choices. Many kids are allergic to candy ingredients like nuts. To help them enjoy the holiday, The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages leaving a teal pumpkin on your stoop to let trick-or-treaters know that you have non-food treats like stickers and toys on hand.
- Pick a good spot. If you have a lot of stairs or a long, winding path, consider handing out candy at the end of your driveway.
- Comb your yard. With all luck, the kiddos will stay on sidewalks and driveways. But they may wander. Clear out sticks, objects or other tripping hazards from your yard.
This Halloween, make sure your home is covered against unexpected tricks. Contact an Erie Insurance agent to find homeowners insurance that’s right for you.