Trick-or-Treating Tips

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Erie Insurance

With three young kids in the family, Halloween is definitely one of the favorite holidays in our house. We’ve already started decorating the house and yard.

We live in an awesome neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Lots of young families with kids, houses not too far apart and lots of cul-de-sacs to walk down around for easy candy-collecting. You would think that would mean it’s a super-safe area for trick-or-treating, right?

Unfortunately, what it means is that a lot of other people drive their children to our neighborhood for trick-or-treating. So while our kids are walking along from house to house, there is a steady stream of cars driving in and around the neighborhood.

That worries me. There are a LOT of kids coming onto our property and a lot of strangers in the neighborhood.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

Since we want to do everything we can to protect our children and property, we make sure we’re being safe on Halloween. I wanted to share some of my favorite trick-or-treating tips from Erie Insurance so you can do the same:

1. Create a safe path for trick-or-treaters. Clear the walkways of toys, stones or anything a child may trip on. Be sure to light your driveway and porch so children can easily see where they are going. Make sure your porch railing and steps are sturdy and secure.
2. Do not include pets in your fun. A constantly opening and closing door might make it easy for pets to escape and possibly harm a child. Pets can be anxious about the ringing doorbell and so many strange children on the property. Keep pets in a secured room or wing of the house.
3. Do not use real candles. Real candle flames can make your pumpkins look cool, but are a fire hazard. Stick to faux candles with “flickering” lights.
4. Dress the part. Encourage your children to choose lightly colored costumes and to avoid head-to-toe dark costumes. Make sure that the costumes fit properly and that your child can walk easily when the costume is worn. If possible, opt for facepaint instead of masks so your child’s vision is not impaired.
5. Lock the other doors of your house, garage, and car. Although most guests are respectful and kind, others know that you’re preoccupied by the front doorbell. Mischief can happen when you’re busy with trick-or-treaters, so play it safe by locking all other doors.

If despite your precautions, someone does get injured on your property, it’s important to make sure you’re fully covered with the right homeowners insurance policy, such as one from Erie Insurance.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Tell me! Are you taking your kids out trick-or-treating this year?