Halloween is an exciting time for children and adults alike, from spooky costumes to elaborate home decorations. However, it’s important to reduce the minor risks that come with Halloween: the dark, fire hazards and stranger danger. At Window World of Dallas-Fort Worth, we want to ensure all have a worry-free holiday celebration. Read our guide to learn how to keep Halloween fun and safe for your family and any young visitors.
Other than inviting young guests to trick-or-treat to your home by leaving the porch light on, having well-placed outdoor lighting better guides them safely to your front door. Replace any burnt out exterior lights, and if needed, install extra lights to avoid someone tripping over stepping hazards, such as stairs. Since kids often run from house to house, motion-activated lights and LED pathway markers automatically light the way and take the hassle out of having to remember to turn lights off and on.
Before dusk, make sure sidewalks and stairs are clear of any obstacles that could cause a fall. Electrical cords, garden hoses, bikes, toys, potted plants and decorations should be moved a safe distance from your main walkway and porch area to avoid tripping or knocking something over. If it rains in the days just before Halloween, sweep wet leaves from walkways so nobody slips. Maintaining a clear walkway is an easy way to avoid accidents.
Carving pumpkins is a cherished tradition by many families around the holiday, but having an open flame in your jack-o-lanterns can be a fire hazard. Instead of using real candles, flameless LED lights create the same spooky scene without the risk of costumes or home decorations catching fire. Plus, battery-powered lights don’t have to be constantly supervised as candlelit pumpkins do.
If you enjoy decorating your home’s exterior with holiday lights and over-the-top spooky decor, make sure you only use outdoor-rated extension cords and outlets so you don’t overload your electrical system. All outdoor lighting should be grounded, and be sure to use covered electric outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
Before venturing out, plan a safe trick-or-treating route. Remember to only walk up to well-lit houses that have their porch lights on and storm doors open (this is the universal invitation homeowners use). Always cross the street in marked crosswalks, and never assume cars will stop as they may have trouble seeing pedestrians in the dark. As an extra precaution, remind older children who may be out in an unsupervised group to never enter a stranger’s home or car and to notify an adult or law enforcement of any suspicious or illegal activity. If you’re staying at home to pass out candy, make sure your door is closed and locked tight between rounds of trick-or-treaters too. Have a door that’s tough to open and close? Now may be a good time to upgrade.
Although tampering is rare, wait until children get home to sort and inspect their Halloween treats before eating them. Throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, torn or unusually-shaped candy. If your child has a food allergy, make sure to read the ingredients carefully before they dig in. Homemade baked goods should also be discarded unless you personally know and trust who they came from. A good rule of thumb is: “When in doubt, throw it out!” To discourage sampling during the evening, make sure your child has a good meal before going out.
By taking a few extra safety precautions for your home’s exterior, holiday decorations and trick-or-treating, you can enjoy the Halloween celebrations even more. From all of us at Window World of Dallas-Fort Worth, we hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!