If you are a homeowner, there are several precautions you will want to take this Halloween to make sure your property is safe. Continue reading and give our skilled Baltimore County slip and fall accident attorneys a call.
Be sure your property is sufficiently lit.
Replace burned-out bulbs in exterior lights. If needed, put in more lights in the front yard to avoid individuals tripping over something he or she can’t see. If you will not be home for trick-or-treating, turn your lights off to prevent children from coming to your property.
Make sure your walkways are clear.
You will want to be sure that all walkways and the front yard are neat and clutter-free to prevent falls. Put your car in the garage. Lock your garage doors. Clean wet leaves from sidewalks and stairs. Move bikes, garden hoses, potted plants, and skateboards away from areas that are likely to be walked on by groups of people. Decorative items and jack-o-lanterns should also be put at a safe distance from crowds to stop people from knocking them over or tripping on them. Note that kids often run from house to house and they don’t always stay on sidewalks, so, if you’re setting up a display, be sure it is well-lit and visible. If you are constructing a lawn display make sure to keep walkways clear. Furthermore, do not run cords over sidewalks where people might trip over them or injure themselves.
All lighting should be grounded.
Try not to overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or portable decorative objects. All outdoor lighting should be grounded, including low-voltage outdoor security lights and any Halloween lights. You will only want to use concealed electric outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
When it comes to jack-o-lanterns, safety first.
If you would like to use candles in your jack-o-lanterns, keep them far away from direct walkways. This will help decrease fire hazards, such as costumes, props, or decorations catching on fire. A great option to open flames is to use battery-powered light sources or light sticks.
Be sure your trick-or-treaters are visible to drivers.
Add reflector strips to your child’s costume, or have them carry a flashlight or light stick to make them more visible at night. This will not only guarantee they are seen by drivers, but will also help you keep an eye on them if they end up getting too far ahead.
Assure you have home security.
If you will be away from your home during Halloween, you will want to set your security alarm system before you leave. This is a common time of year for mischief and burglaries. To improve your home’s safety, you can also activate motion-sensitive lights and tell your neighbors that you will not be home.
Test Your Smoke Alarms.
With jack-o-lanterns being common around Halloween, you will want to test your smoke alarms before Halloween celebrations occur.
Keep your pets inside.
Pets are generally scared on Halloween, so keeping them inside will shield them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.
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