Safe Halloween Tips
(Published on - 10/16/2016 5:22:52 PM)
Halloween is a lot of fun for adults and kids, but nothing ruins the ghoulish night like a trip to the emergency room or a lawsuit. (This is also a good time to make sure your homeowner’s insurance is current!) In that “spirit,” I thought I’d share 11 tips to help you balance spooky and safe this year:
- Survey all approaches to your home, beginning from the property line. Keep an eye out for hazards, including loose bricks/stones, or holes in the yard.
- Resist using open flames inside or outside. Use electric light effects, glow sticks, or electric candles instead.
- Check your smoke alarms and make sure all exits to the house are clear of clutter.
- Before dark, check for exposed extension cords and make sure cords avoid wet areas.
- Determine how much darkness you really want. Lighted pathways and porches are both inviting and safer for your guests.
- Make sure children can see in their costumes! Obstructed vision from masks can keep them from noticing cars, hazards, or other excited kids.
- Also make sure children can be seen by others. Glow sticks are fun “high visibility” items, especially when costumes are dark (also: reflective velcro bicycling bands around ankles or wrists can be a good idea).
- Never let a child trick-or-treat alone. If they’re going out unsupervised, make sure they stay in a group.
- Don’t let pets run loose! Halloween is a scary time for pets and they may become aggressive in protecting your home or themselves.
- Be allergy-sensitive and skip treats with nuts or peanut butter (or offer allergen free alternatives).
- Do a “treat check” before letting kids dive in, chucking anything questionable either for safety concerns or spoilage.
Have a ghoulishly safe Halloween this year!
Mark Sotir
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Cell: 630-815-8098
E-mail: marksotir@realtyexecutives.com
