As Halloween approaches, people are getting their homes ready for the ghosts, witches, goblins and ghouls who are sure to make an appearance on Halloween night. But aside from hanging cobwebs, stockpiling candy and setting out the jack-o-lanterns, keeping kids safe when they come to your door this Halloween should be at the top of your preparation list. Check out top 4 ways to keep trick-or-treaters safe at your home this Halloween.
Light it Up
Fall is a great time to enjoy cooler weather, but it also means that the sun goes down sooner and it gets dark earlier. During Halloween, this means that the little ghosts and ghouls are outside running about in the dark, which could make it more likely that they will trip and fall on hazards that they can’t see. To help make sure kids can make it to and from your stash of candy safely, keep your home well lit on Halloween night. Turn on porch lights and any other outdoor lights you may have. Even better, add some solar lights leading up your drive and to your door so the kids have a clear path. Any lights you can add will help kids enjoy trick-or-treating without fear, or at least not the bad kind!
Keep Your Yard Clear of Debris
Darkness isn’t the only cause of trips and falls on Halloween. All that décor you may have out on your lawn can be a tripping hazard, too. Before the sun goes down, make sure to clear your yard of anything that could cause kids to trip and fall so they don’t get hurt on the way to your door. Remove lawn care equipment and even piles of leaves and lawn debris that might cause injury. You should also consider removing your decorations from areas where kids will be walking, so they have a clear path to your door.
Make Sure Your Porch is Secure
It’s not just tripping and falling that can injure trick-or-treaters at your home; kids can also easily get hurt if your porch railings are not secured properly. Before the haunts start hunting for candy, check your porch rails and steps to make sure they are sturdy and secure. if you have any doubts about your porch or if you don’t have time to fix them, consider sitting on your lawn or at the end of your driveway to hand out candy so the kids don’t have to come all the way to your door.
Keep Your Pets Away from the Door
Halloween is fun for kids and adults alike, but for our furry friends it can be terrifying, especially if Fido or Fluffy isn’t fond of strangers, much less ones in costumes. To ensure the safety of the kids and your fur babies, put your pets in a safe place before the strangers come knocking. Not only will this help ensure that the kids have a safe and fun Halloween, but it will also keep your pets’ stress levels to a minimum.
Are you ready to buy a home of your own this fall? Purchasing a home that you can afford doesn’t have to be scary! The NC Housing Finance Agency has resources that can help you through every step of the home buying process, and mortgage products to make sure you can buy a home that is right for you. Learn more at www.nchfa.com/home-buyers.
