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October 11, 2024
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Halloween Safety

a skeleton in a garden

Ah, Halloween. A spooktacular time to dress up, eat candy, and party with friends and family. But are you at risk for Halloween hazards and insurance claims? To avoid a scare this spooky season, check out our safety tips!

All Treats, No Tricks

Trick-or-treating is a beloved holiday tradition in the United States. We all remember handing over our treat bags to our parents to check for signs of tampering. According to NPR, this is a bit of an urban legend. In fact, there has never been a credible report of a child being poisoned by Halloween candy, nor of needles or razor blades being hidden inside. But that doesn’t mean those treats are risk-free! If you’re a parent, make sure all your child’s treats are age-appropriate — the last thing you need is a choking hazard from a candy that’s too small for your little one to safely enjoy. And if your child has a food allergy, check the ingredients of each treat before you let them go wild.

Ghosts and Goblins and Ghouls, Oh My!

Of course, you can’t have trick-or-treating without a costume! Clothing is usually tested for flame-retardance. But did you know that many times, mass-produced Halloween costumes are not subject to the same tests? It’s up to you to check the tags. Acrylic is the most flammable textile, so avoid it if you can. Generally speaking, the heavier the fabric, the less likely it is to burn. Those store-bought Halloween costumes may be convenient, but the fabric is often very thin. That means it will burn readily and quickly.

Be careful of nylon, too — it’s true that it won’t go up in flames, but it melts instead, which puts you at a risk for serious burns. Halloween decorations like Jack-O-Lanterns often include candles, so be aware of your costume and make sure any long or billowy garments don’t get too close to the flame. And it’s a good idea to be sure you can easily remove costume pieces if they catch fire.

Costumes can have plenty of accessories, so keep an eye on them. If your costume has wings, or other pieces that extend, be mindful when in close quarters with others so you don’t hit them. If there’s a mask involved, be sure you can comfortably breathe and see, especially when trick-or-treating outside in the dark.

Steer Clear

When it comes to car vs. pedestrian accidents, Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for children. Keep your trick-or-treaters safe — give them flashlights, since not all neighborhoods have streetlights. If your child’s costume is dark (or even if it’s not), you can easily attach reflective fabric strips with Velcro or even hot glue. They’re small enough that they won’t cramp your kid’s spooky style, but can make a world of difference.

Do Your Part

If you plan on handing out candy, make sure your property is safe. First, clear your walkway. Make sure the path to the front door is free of decorations, wet leaves, and other tripping hazards. If there are trees in your front yard, keep an eye on fallen branches, or any branches that look like they could fall.
 
One of the most common homeowners’ insurance claims comes from missing or broken banisters. This Halloween, make sure your handrails are nice and sturdy. If you have a dog, keep them secure — not only to avoid an excitable pooch knocking a child down or scaring them, but also so that they don’t escape and get lost. 
 
Keep walkways well-lit, but don’t rely on candles. Instead, invest in some solar outdoor lights that absorb daylight and activate in the dark. Remember, Halloween decorations and porch lights signify that trick-or-treaters are welcome.

Time for Crime?

Holidays always come with a spike in crime. Celebration can often include alcohol, and where drinking peaks, so does crime. Halloween, however, sees a notable rise in one particular type of crime-related insurance claims: Property crime. Vandalism and theft are rampant on Halloween — whether it’s Mischief Night pranks like egging houses and cars (which can severely damage siding and paint) or decoration theft. On top of that, the increasing social-media presence most families keep now can also be a risk factor. Don’t post about trick-or-treating until you’re home already. If a would-be thief knows your house is about to be empty, it could encourage them to try breaking in. Of course, a good homeowners’ or renters’ policy will cover all these things, but it’s best if you never end up needing it!

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