Property Management Nation

Halloween is an exciting and fun time of year.  For home-owners and renters it can be scary as well and not just because of the ghosts and goblins.  Halloween means an increase in home fires, vandalism and burglary.  Here are some tips to help you celebrate the holiday safely:

• If you are a home-owner be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what is covered
• You may consider adding to your insurance policy’s coverage
• Check your smoke-detectors before Halloween night
• Practice fire-safety by monitoring candles and blowing them out when you are unable to monitor them directly
• Use battery-powered flashlights or small lanterns to light jack-o-lanterns instead of candles
• Keep your house, porch and grounds well-lit
• Avoid clutter and keep your porch unobstructed so trick-or-treaters do not have to dodge obstacles and risk injury
• Keep your pets locked up to avoid any liability due to animals’ unpredictability around strangers
• Make sure your costumes are labelled “flame retardant” or fire-safe
• Be careful not to overload electrical outlets
• Stay away from dry ice as it can be unpredictable and toxic if ingested
• Make sure to lock-up when you go to bed or leave your house as this holiday is a prime time for vandals and burglars
• Be sure to activate your security alarm if you have one and if you don’t have one, consider purchasing one
• Use motion-sensor lights on your property
• If you are hosting a party that is serving alcohol be sure to designate drivers who will stay sober
• Serve only store wrapped candy and be sure to check all candy before allowing a child to eat any
• Carve your pumpkins under strict adult supervision and have children use the special plastic tools only

Overall using common sense can help you to enjoy Halloween safely and avoid any trips to the emergency room or calls to firefighters and police.  Be vigilant and smart as you decorate and make your holiday plans.  Happy Halloween!!