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Published on 10/21/98

Keep Your Scary House Safe this Halloween

Just because trick-or-treaters set out to scare you this Halloween, you shouldn't scare them at your home. Or at least you shouldn't scare them with a dangerous yard, said a University of Georgia housing specialist.

"Halloween is scary enough," said Janet Valente, an Extension Service housing specialist with the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. "Don't make your yard, porch or walkway scary to the point of danger."

Kids (and adults) may be wearing costumes that make it hard to see things they could trip over in your yard. "Costumes shouldn't block the wearer's vision," Valente said. "But making your yard or walkway clutter-free is a quick, easy step to making this holiday a bit safer."

She offers a few suggestions for homeowners expecting trick-or-treaters.

  • Make sure the yard, walkway, steps and porch are well-lit and clear of debris.

"Good lighting is important any time, but especially when you're expecting lots of eager children," Valente said. Aim spotlights to walkways. Consider installing directional lights at the walkway level. Repair or smooth out uneven or rough walkways to keep visitors from tripping. Turn off lights where you don't want people to go.

  • Put away any yard or gardening tools that can trip excited youngsters or the adults that accompany them. That also keeps children from playing with them and hurting themselves or each other.
  • Put away outside toys like bicycles, skateboards or balls that can cause falls or other injury to visiting children. If the toys aren't there, children can't play on them.
  • Secure or pen up pets that could bark or otherwise frighten children. Costumed children may frighten dogs and cats into reacting unusually by biting or chasing.
  • Use battery-powered candles or flashlights instead of live flames to illuminate jack-o'-lanterns to prevent fires in decorations or loose costumes.
  • Buy individually wrapped candies that make it easy for parents to inspect goodies. Or give small trinkets like pencils, erasers or stickers as a noncandy alternative.

People driving on Halloween night should be extra careful, too. Drive slow, slow, slow through neighborhoods. Many parents include reflective tape as part of their children's costumes, but some don't. So look carefully for children.

"If you're really concerned about your liability as a homeowner in this situation, check your homeowners' insurance policy," Valente said. "It should spell out the coverage conditions. If you're still unsure, call your insurance agent."

Experts/Sources:
Janet S Valente
Consumer Product Safety Commission
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