As the leaves begin to fall and everything starts to smell of pumpkin spice, we know Halloween is fast approaching. There’s no doubt that both you and your tenants are getting into the holiday spirit, whether you plan on setting up a spooky cemetery in your yard or spending the month watching your favorite horror movies. As safety is an essential part of a good holiday celebration, make sure that you and your tenants take heed of these tips for a safe Halloween.
- Keep the Lights On
As the sun goes down on Halloween night, it welcomes hoards of trick-or-treaters and often a little mischief. While some people turn off their porch lights to signal that they’re not home, this can be a dangerous decision. Not only can it cause injuries in the dark, but an unoccupied home can quickly become a target for those who intend on leaving tricks instead of treats. In order to do this, it’s important that the lights are working properly. Take some time to either maintain or add outdoor lighting so that everyone can easily see. - Don’t Make a Maze, Electrical or Otherwise
When setting up decorations outside, it’s not hard to find that electrical wires and other hazards are all over the yard. Make sure to keep any tripping hazards away from walkways, as well as to make them as visible as possible. The last thing you want is a young child getting hurt on a night that’s supposed to be all about fun. Take a look at the landscaping on your rental property, and make sure that everything is properly maintained. Additionally, give some thought to the exterior of the property to see if anything poses a safety risk, especially in areas that trick-or-treaters may encounter like the porch or handrails. - Holiday Spirit Should be Safe
A traditional way of getting into the spirit of the season is to carve Jack-O-Lanterns portraying out favorite characters or a frightening face. While we proudly display our hard work on the porch to show off to trick-or-treaters, they can pose a safety hazard if not lit correctly. Don’t use a traditional candle to light up your pumpkin, but opt for an LED candle (or tea lights) instead. Not only will this remove a large risk of fire, but you can also further personalize your pumpkin with colored or blinking bulbs and have extras to use through the remaining holidays.
Halloween is a great time to enjoy your favorite candy and get into the spooky spirit, but damage or injury could put an obvious damper on your holiday. Take a few minutes to make your property safe for trick-or-treaters, and minimize the risk of damage to your rental. Those few minutes will go a long way in ensuring that both you and others will have a great Halloween.
How Do You Prepare Your Property for Halloween?
