Make your house safe for Trick-or-Treaters
October 26, 2015
Halloween is fast approaching. All kids love to dress up, get together with friends, and go door-to-door hoping to find the full size candy bar.
A little pre-planning can prevent unfortunate accidents that could turn out to be tragic for kids and trying for you. Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.
Pets first. Dogs, cats, and other furry family companions get scared when oddly dressed strangers approach their door in droves. Make sure your pet is in a safe and comfortable space or take them to a secure, relaxing offsite location for the evening.
Clean up your yard. If your yard gathers stuff – like toys, rakes and other yard tools, hoses, tree branches, you name it – take the time to clean it up. Make sure your yard is free of potential hazards and create a clutter-free walking path well before dusk falls this Halloween.
Are all of your lights working? Make sure you offer a well-lit path.
Candles. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
Turn it off. When you’re done for the night, make it obvious by turning any and all inviting lights off.
Decorations. Don’t go overboard with decorations, they can cause fires and injuries.
Safety tips for kids
- Never, ever go into a house.
- Go with friends.
- Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling. Choose a costume that is made of flame-resistant material.
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child
- Stick to trick-or-treating in well-lit homes in familiar neighborhoods.
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective or add reflective tape to the costume or bag your child is going to carry candy.
- Make sure masks fit securely and provide adequate vision and ventilation.
- Don’t eat homemade food unless you know the source.
- Tell Children not to accept anything that isn’t commercially-wrapped.
- Use a flashlight.
