By Sirena Van Schaik
There are hundreds of facts out there for parents on Halloween night. We need to be aware of the costumes we put on our kids, the amount of light we provide them with and the candy that they bring home has to be checked as vigilantly as a drill sergeant does during inspection. We hardly ever think about our own homes and the many decorations that we have up for the season’s festivities.
Let’s face it, accidents do happen and when you have 10 kids, even 2 kids, racing for your door, there is a potential for those accidents to take on a whole new level of occurrence. As homeowner’s and decorators, we love to create a scary scene that will have the kids’ ohing and awing over it.
But regardless of how nice a house looks, we need to figure out ways to create a safe environment for the little spooks that will be joining us on Halloween. Below, I have listed a few tips to being a good neighbour and keeping your yard a safe place for trick and treater’s to visit.
1. Candles:
There is something about Halloween that really draws the need for candles. Nothing is spookier than a handful of black candles lighting the way up to a haunted doorstep but it’s not the safest Halloween decoration around.
If you are all for candles, it is important to arrange them in a way where there won’t be any accidents. Place them off the walkways and nestle them in any flowerbeds along your house. Using garden spikes designed for candles is one of the best choices since they won’t tip over. Try to use candles in holders so the flame does not reach the top of the glass. Lastly, make sure that the candles are not placed in spots where kids will walk over top of them; this can pose a serious fire hazard with all the long cloaks and costumes.
2. Pumpkins:
Another hazard that you need to be aware of, not just when you are carving them, are the pumpkins. Place them in areas where people are less likely to tread to avoid tripping. For safety precautions use a glow stick or a flashlight to illuminate the inside of the pumpkin. This will prevent any fires from occurring.
3. Keep everything Lit:
Make sure you keep your area illuminated. This can be done with pathway lights or by keeping your outside light turned on. If you are going for a spooky effect, complete with a black light, make sure to use other means of lighting as well. Turn on the light over the garage or keep your door open to allow light to spill outside.
4. Remove the Clutter:
Sometimes we can go a little overboard when it comes to decorating. Props, and other items can make a space really cluttered and accidents can happen from tripping over the items. Keep walkways clear and just scare up the area around them. Make sure there are no strings or police lines where people are going to walk.
5. Make your dog Halloween Friendly:
Some people are terrified of dogs, even small ones, and it is important for both your pet and your little Halloween visitors that you keep your dogs away from the door, especially if your dog is prone to barking and jumping. Putting a dog in his crate or simply keeping him leashed in the living room will leave everyone happy and you won’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt or scared, especially your beloved pet.
6. Give out store bought candy only:
This is just a suggestion to remaining a friendly neighbour. Even though there is a very personalized touch to the Halloween treats when you provide homemade items, parents are always told to dispose of these items. To save you the money and the parents’ the concern, buy pre-packaged items to give out on Halloween and save the home baked treats for the kids of your friends.
It is very simple to keep your yard safe and inviting for all to enjoy on Halloween Night, all it takes is a little attention to the details.
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