Halloween Home Safety

This time of year witches, mummies and ghosts will be knocking at your door. If you plan on joining the fun and mischief this Halloween, here are some tips to make sure your home is safe.

Out in the Yard

Trick-or-treaters will be running up your front walk so make sure they won't trip on anything in the yard by removing obstacles in their path:

  • Keep the walkways clear-sweep up slippery leaves, put away garden tools, roll up hoses.
  • Decorations—Make sure all decorations are kept off walkways.

Lighting

Halloween night doesn't need to be dark. Keep your porch and walkways properly lit to prevent falls. Remember this little bit of Halloween etiquette:

  • Lights on= come get candy.
  • Lights off= witching hour has passed.

Jack-O-Lanterns

Nothing says Halloween like a Jack-o-Lantern. Here are some safety tips for carving and enjoying your own spooky pumpkin:

  • Carving the pumpkin—It is best to let adults or older children carve the pumpkin (safety knives are best), and always have parental supervision.
  • Candles—If you use a regular candle, keep combustibles and flammable items away, and keep the lid off the top of the pumpkin to let heat escape. If you are worried about fire danger, try using a battery powered light, or consider painting an un-carved pumpkin.

Fire Safety

The glowing lights of candles and Jack-O-Lanterns add an air of spookiness to the neighborhood, but unfortunately, these festive lights can become fires if not watched properly:

  • Open Flames—Keep harvest decorations like straw, corn husks, scarecrows, and other combustibles away from open flames.
  • Costumes—Get your child a fire resistant costume and mask. Keep your Jack-O-Lanterns away from costumes.
  • Test your smoke alarms.

Keep Pets Safe from Mischief

Keep open flames and decorations out of the reach of curious cats and wagging tails. Remember that some decorations can be toxic if eaten.

  • Dogs—The ASPCA recommends keeping dogs in a back room so they are away from the front door and can't jump on trick-or-treaters or bite them. Even small dogs can get a little crazy on Halloween (probably because the door bell won't stop ringing). Some homeowners insurance providers won't cover dog bite claims if they are unaware you own a dog, so let the insurance provider know if you've added a dog to the family.
  • Cats—Keep your kitty safe in a back room or garage and away from the front door and ringing doorbell, so he can't make a mad escape and put himself in danger.

If you want to make absolutely sure that your own haunted house is protected, put your fears to rest by checking your homeowner's insurance policy. Keep Halloween fun and less frightful by making sure you are getting the best rate on your homeowners insurance by visiting InsWeb.com.