28 Oct 2024
Important Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe For Halloween
Halloween is a very exciting time for both for children and their parents. As a homeowner, having kids on foot visiting your home can present problems, so their safety should be top of mind. The following tips can make a safe and happy Halloween for everyone:
Light up your pathways
Bright outdoor lighting creates a clear path to your house, which will prevent tripping and falling. Replace any burnt out bulbs in the exterior lights. If required, add some temporary extra lights along the pathway to your front door or porch for more brightness.
Keep walkways clear
Any clutter or obstacles like large pots and outdoor equipment should be moved or removed from pathways, to ensure there is no chance of tripping causing injury. The pathways should also be swept for leaves and debris to prevent slipping. Keep in mind that sometimes children run from house to house and don’t keep to pathways, so place decorative items at a safe distance from the paths and areas in your garden where children are likely to walk on.
Reinforce railings and steps
Loose railings or broken steps can cause accidents, especially when there are groups of excited kids in costumes clamouring to get to your front door or porch. Inspect these areas days before Halloween and undertake the necessary repairs for a safe and fun-filled event.
Keep pets inside
Halloween can be stressful for pets, especially with the constant doorbell ringing and commotion outside. Placing them in a quiet and comfortable part of the home will reduce their anxiety and prevent them from running outside the door.
Use LEDs instead of real candles
Traditional candles in lanterns and decorations can be a fire hazard, especially when there are kids with potentially flammable costumes. LED faux candles look and behave much like the real thing and are safer.
Don’t overload electrical circuits
With a lot of non-regular outdoor lighting on your property, you can easily overload your circuits, and this can lead to some major problems, even cause a fire. Ensure all your electrical is grounded and use power bars with surge protection to help spread the load safely.
Avoid overcrowding the porch or doorway
Placing too many items on your porch or near your doorway may create bottlenecks and make it difficult for trick or treaters to safely approach and leave. Keep the area you are using for handing out candy, clear for easy distribution and crowding.
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