Halloween is a scary cauldron potion - mixed with one part darkness, one part costumed kids (darting across streets), one part teens (with “tricks”), one part scary decorations (to trip over), one part sweet candy (to rot your teeth), one part open flame candles and overloaded extension cords – and POOF....

Halloween fun can become a lawsuit and “horror show” unless you use some common sense and pre-planning.  

REDUCE THE RISKS THAT SPOIL HALLOWEEN FUN

• Home fires and trip/fall injuries – Don’t underestimate how dangerous open flame candles can be.  Candles frequently are the cause of fires so careful placement away from combustibles and out of reach of children is a must. Never leave them unattended.  Inside and out keep Halloween decorations and extension cords away from the path of trick-or-treaters and guests.  Use approved exterior, grounded extension cords with outside decorations.  Don’t chain your extension cords together …unless you plan on re-animating  Frankenstein (or Frankenweenie if you have a dog).  Oh, and keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters. You are absolutely liable for any injury caused by your dog.  
• Home / Car Vandalism – Park your car in the garage when available or park as close to your home as possible in a lighted area.  Remove any items from around your house that can be a hazard or a temptation for theft or vandalism. Turn on outside lights in the back and side of your house to make it less inviting for vandalism. 
• Auto / Pedestrian accidents - It’s gloomy and dark so it is hard for both drivers and masked trick-or-treaters to see clearly.  Avoid driving if you can but if you are driving your little goblins around the neighborhoods use extreme caution. If you are going to a party that serves alcohol plan ahead for a designated driver. 

To everyone’s credit, Halloween has become an amazingly safe celebration considering all the potential dangers.  All the ingredients are safer – from the consumer decorations and costumes, to the individually wrapped candies and parents that accompany their children, to the more informed and safety conscious society at-large.

Have a safe and fun Halloween! 

NEED A REVIEW?

Contact your Agent for a review of your home and auto policies to ensure you are covered in the event of a Halloween spook.