Halloween is a holiday meant to be fun and spooky, but there’s nothing fun when dangers lurk around your home! In fact, a study published in 2010 found that Halloween is the holiday with the fourth highest number of emergency room visits.
This upcoming Halloween holiday, be extra cautious when decorating your home and walking on other’s property; you can prevent serious accidents and injuries before they happen. Follow these 7 property tips for the spookiest-and safest-Halloween!
Skip the Candles
Candles give off a beautiful warm glow, but can also increase the risk of an accident house or yard fire! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2013-2017, an average of 780 home structure fires began with decorations per year. Play it safe by using fake candles or LED lights to illuminate your home and yard decorations; especially if you anticipate lots of visitors. Glow sticks are another fun and safe alternative for candles!
Tackle Home Improvements
A loose brick on your walkway, uneven surface, or unsteady handrail could result in an unexpected injury or personal injury lawsuit. “Property owners have a responsibility to keep their property free from dangerous conditions at all times” notes Orange County firm DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, “that includes cleaning up spills, keeping entryways free of obstructions, and other common-sense behaviors.” Repair any broken or damaged parts of your home prior to Halloween parties and property visitors.
Turn up the Wattage!
The brighter the better for everyone visiting your home! Children and parents will be able to navigate your property as safely as possible with adequate lighting and prevent the risk of injuries. Bright lights can also help ward off any unwanted mischief later in the night!
Walk the Path
Ensure the path from the sidewalk to your home is indeed walkable. Move any decorations or lights away from the main walking areas where someone might trip or stumble.
It is also wise to move any decorations on your porch out of the way of the door or stairs. If you live in an area with snowfall or dampness around the Halloween holiday, consider investing in anti-slip tape (friction tape) for your outdoor stairs.
Park Your Car in the Garage
If possible, move your vehicles into your garage. Moving your car into a protected area, such as a garage, can reduce the risk of scratches, dents, and other types of damage from a high influx of people and children visiting your home. If you are unable to park in a garage, consider parking your car in an area with low traffic.
Check Smoke Detectors
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends checking smoke detectors every month and replace batteries once or twice a year, as three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
Having working smoke detectors can be a matter of life and death as they can alert your family in case decorations or other factors cause a house fire. Consider this your autumn reminder to ensure they are functioning properly!
Keep Your Pets Inside
Some pets may be uneasy with the high volume of visitors, making them skittish, scared, or even aggressive. Prevent an unwanted accident, dog bite, or injury to your animal by ensuring they are safely tucked away inside in a room away from the front door.
By employing these seven safety tips for your home this holiday, you can ensure you have a fun and spooky Halloween, without real danger! Put safety first to prevent a serious accident or injury on your property this autumn.
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