Halloween: Trick-or-Treat and Home Safety Tips
This Halloween, it’s TRICK-or-treat! Get ready with a few tips:
- Avoid tripping trick-or-treaters!
Take things like hoses, ladders, flowerpots, wires, lawn furniture and bikes off your porch, driveway and sidewalk - anywhere you think kids may be walking on Halloween.
- Turn on porch and outside lights
It's easier for trick-or-treaters to see! (This is a good time to replace burnt-out, outdoor light bulbs.)
- Clean sweep
Sweep the leaves off your walkways and porches.
- Clear the path
Keep outdoor decor, jack-o-lanterns and candles away from sidewalks, dry leaves, and Halloween decorations - you get the idea.
- Pets
Dogs, cats and other pets may be frightened or excited by the ringing doorbell, trick-or-treat screaming and unexpected Halloween visitors. If you have an excitable pet, consider putting him or her in a safe, quiet area away from the festivities.
- Candy - or no?
Purchase individually wrapped candies. Or, consider handing out non-candy alternatives like colored pencils, erasers, small pads of paper (perfect for notes, doodles and diaries.)
- Not home?
If you are going out, remember to turn on home security systems and lock doors and windows. And, don't leave the porch light on! In many communities, a lit porch light means you're ready for trick-or-treaters.
- Caution!
If you're out driving, be cautious and go slowly - this is a big night for kids and families and they are walking the neighborhood.
Updated: 5/2009
