It’s nearly time for Halloween! If you’re at home for the night, you can expect trick-or-treaters to come knocking. Candy? Check! Spooky decorations? Check! Here are six tips to ensure your home is prepared for trick-or-treaters.
1. Clear your pathways
Things out on the paths leading up to your front door or sidewalks that could be considered tripping hazards, such as rakes, toys, or stones should be cleared up. Additionally, it might be worth looking at removing any wet leaves as well – they can be a slipping hazard. Make sure any decorations you have don’t make it difficult to cross pathways and access the area where you’ll be distributing candy.
2. Light them up too!
Lighting along your pathway or around the exterior of your property can make it more inviting. Even spooky lighting, as long as it creates a safer path for anyone coming to your front door. Before the big day, double check your bulbs and replace any that have burnt out. Let the creativity flow with some of your lighting and use things like spotlights and colours that suit your theme or represent Halloween. Remember to clear of candles, as they can be a fire hazard. Things like LED candles will work just as well.
3. Safety is key
While you’re making sure you don’t have any fire hazards around, also be sure to decorate your property safely. Things like dried flowers, cornstalks, paper, and flammable fabrics can all ignite easily when close to a source of heat. So, even if you do skip candles make sure that anything flammable is laid out safely and away from heat sources. Also, double check that any hanging decor is properly secured and high enough that even taller trick-or-treaters won’t risk bumping their head.
4. Lock your doors
Unfortunately, not everyone on Halloween is around to have fun. Make sure that any doors you aren’t using are locked while you’re dishing out candy. Double check doors to your back garden and garage doors. Consider storing your car in the garage if you have one to keep it safe and provide a little more space for anyone coming up the driveway to your front door.
5. Keep your pets inside
While your pet may be friendly with you, it’s not always the case with others. It’s best to keep your pets away from young, excited children. A nervous animal could easily result in an accident.
6. Consider your candy choices
Many kids have allergies, so buying a variety of treats will ensure that everyone can enjoy something. You can also get creative and hand out things that aren’t candy, like little toys or stickers if anyone can’t eat any of the candy on hand.
Whether you’re handing out candy, supervising your own trick-or-treaters, or curling up on the couch with a scary move, have a safe and fun-filled Halloween!
