If you live in a residential area and are expecting trick-or-treaters this year, practicing these preventative measures will ensure a happy and safe Halloween for visitors to your home.
- Make sure your property is well lit.
It is important that pedestrians have a clear and visible path from the sidewalk to your doorstep. Most will be wearing costumes and have compromised vision already, so make it as easy and safe as possible for them. Be sure to have ample lighting and avoid having any flames near the walking path.
- Put pets away.
Like the Fourth of July, Halloween is a dog's least favorite holiday. Instead of fireworks, it's an endless barrage of doorbell ringing... which is pure torture for any dog. Find a safe place for your pooch to hang out and get the ol' pup a rawhide to pass the time. Safety is also an issue. Many dogs don't reciprocate well to costumes, so keep that in mind as well. While you may know it's Darth Vader wanting a snickers bar, man's best friend may think the tike is a home intruder.
- Know what you're handing out.
If you're handing out candy, before you do -- check it. You remember being taught about stranger-danger, and Halloween candy scares as a kid? It still rings true today and perhaps more than ever. Buying candy that is individually wrapped is the best way to go. Before you hand it out, peruse it and discard any candy that is open, melted, or any that has a compromised wrapper. Avoid handing out baked goods, confections, etc. Should a child become sick or worse, you could be held liable. Parents are advised not to accept any home made goods and they should be thrown away.
In addition to these few safety tips, attaching reflective tape to costumes makes you more visible to vehicles if you plan on trick-or-treating at night. Also, stay in groups for added safety and carry a flashlight. Never walk through parks and never take unknown and unilluminated routes home.
We hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween from The Law Office of Florida Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Sexton!
