October is officially here, and like many other American families, you’re probably getting ready for Halloween. Decorating, pumpkin carving, and trick or treating may all sound harmless, but they all come with a risk as a homeowner. For example, if someone sustains injuries on your property, you become liable it.
The good news is you don’t have to completely skip the the festivities all together. As a homeowner, you just need to follow these Halloween home safety tips to protect your family and home from the various dangers that happen around this time of year.
Take a Look at your Homeowners Insurance Policy
The first thing any homeowner needs to do before the Halloween holiday approaches is to make sure your current homeowners insurance policy is up to date. At Paradiso Insurance, we will always make sure you have the right protection so you aren’t left with a financial loss in the event something happens. Stop in or call one of our licensed insurance agents today about your homeowners insurance policy, they’ll be happy to help!
Be Cautious About Fire
Another great Halloween home safety tip is to be cautious if you plan to decorate for Halloween. Jack O’ Lanterns may add a spooky appeal to your home, but can become a serious fire hazard if you use real candles inside of them. Additionally, wires and lights can cause an electrical fire if not properly maintained or connected. Always keep hazardous Halloween decor in a safe spot, away from grass, shrubbery, wood, or other flammable substances.
Be Aware of Vandalism
The Halloween holiday can be challenging for many homeowners, because they have to deal with the increased threat of vandalism and property damage around this time of year. Halloween pranks like throwing eggs or toilet paper at homes don’t usually cause significant damage. However, graffiti, broken windows, or anything else that ruins the integrity of your home should be always reported to your insurance agent.
Something like a home security system or even a simple outdoor camera can help ward off perpetrators, and help provide evidence to police if you unfortunately become a victim of vandalism or theft. Additionally, if you need to file a claim and our insurance agency is closed, our mobile app is there for you around the clock.
Make Safety a Priority
Families will be stopping at your house on Halloween all night long, so be sure your home is safe for them to be at. A small fall can turn into something major if a trick or treater needs hospital care due to an injury.
Trick or treating usually happens when it becomes dark out which can be dangerous if your home doesn’t have proper lighting. Solar lights are a great option for walkways and for entrance ways, floodlights are the best.
Besides the proper lighting, walkways should be free of debri and other hazardous objects. Deterioration in your home’s walkway that causes potholes or cracked cement can also become a hazard, especially for children who need to use a wheelchair or other types of special transportation to get around. Before Halloween, make sure to inspect your home’s walkway, and get it fixed before a disaster happens.
Halloween is a fun time for all, but it can turn sour if you don’t keep these Halloween home safety tips in mind. Speaking of Halloween safety, make sure you know how to keep your family safe during the holiday by clicking the button below.
