Halloween is upon us! Whether you are preparing for ghosts and goblins to knock on your door or going trick-or-treating with your kids, here are some tips to have a safe and spooktacular Halloween.
Beware of What You Share
Not all candy is appropriate for every child. Avoid candy that poses a choking hazard for toddlers, and keep in mind that many children have peanut allergies. Even if the candy doesn’t contain peanuts, it could be made in a facility that handles peanuts, so be sure to check the bag label for a peanut allergy warning. Want to switch it up and give a more unique offering this year? Stickers, glow bracelets, mini flashlights, bubbles, and other little knick-knacks make great additions or alternatives. Always guard your tantalizing treats, and never leave your bowl unattended outside. There is always a possibility that someone could taint your candy stash, and it’s not worth taking a chance!
Illuminate Your Haunting Home
A dimly lit entryway will set a spooky mood, but it also increases the chances of an accident. Make sure the exterior lights of your home are working, and consider turning on flood lights to illuminate the darkest areas of your yard. If you plan on going big like Clark Griswold this Halloween, be sure to follow manufacturer installation instructions, and don’t forget any exterior lights should be plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. Also, create a clear path to your home by removing any leaves and brush.
Keep Your Furry Friends Safe
Weird noises and strange people can scare your pets on Halloween, so it’s important to keep your furry friends inside. It might be best to keep your pets in a separate room, so they don’t dash out the front door during peak trick-or-treat hours. Another hazard for animals is the Halloween candy which can be toxic! Chocolate in all forms, especially dark chocolate, can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause serious health problems.
Be Wary of Flammable Décor
Whether vandals or accidents are to blame, there are many more fires on Halloween than a typical October night, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Holiday decorations are often quite flammable, involving materials such as paper, hay and dried cornstalks. If you choose to decorate with these items, then be sure to keep them away from candles and other potential heat sources. If jack-o’-lanterns or luminaries are part of your décor plan, illuminate them using LED tea lights or battery-powered lights rather than candles with open flames.
If you are ready to begin the process of finding your perfect haunted house, call one of our expert Loan Officers today!
