Avoiding Halloween Mishaps

Many homeowners get into the spirit of Halloween by turning their homes into haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and handing out treats to costumed kids who come to their door. If you're a homeowner planning on getting involved in the holiday, following a few precautions can help keep the night from turning scary in an unwanted way:

• Make sure any hazardous obstacles such as a garden hose or lawn decorations are put safely away.
• Check all outside lights and replace any that are burned out.
• Keep sidewalks and walkways clear.
• Consider using battery-powered candles for carved pumpkins - they're safer than a real flame.
• If you do use real candles, make sure they are kept away from the areas where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
• Properly light and clear the path to your door so that trick-or-treaters don't hurt themselves.
• Secure all Halloween decorations. You don't want your decorations coming loose and injuring someone, or being stolen by vandals.
• You might want to consider adding extra homeowner's insurance for Halloween night. Nothing puts a damper on fun faster than a lawsuit, a distinct possibility if a child gets hurt on your property or in your house. Contact your insurance agency to see if they are willing to do this.
• If you're planning a rather gruesome Halloween display, you may want to post warning signs to give the weak-stomached a heads up.
• Only give out kid-friendly treats. Items should be prepackaged and big enough that they don't pose a choking hazard to small children.