REALTOR®: Halloween Home Safety Tips from REALTORS®
Monday, October 20, 2014
As children in the neighborhood get ready for Halloween, homeowners are preparing too. In addition to buying treats for the youngsters, many homeowners like to decorate their home – inside and outside, with festive Halloween decorations. Homeowners can make the experience fun and safe for everyone by following these home safety tips recommended by the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®:
- Clear the walkway. Fall is the time when leaves tend to clutter the lawn and pathway to the front door. Sweep your walkway and remove lawn ornaments, including electric cords or garden hoses that may block trick-or-treaters or cause them to stumble and injure themselves.
- Keep it bright. Check your porch light and other outside lights. Replace burnt out light bulbs. It can be fun to set the mood by providing an eerie atmosphere for visitors, but you also don't want to scare them away. A lighted porch light is usually an invitation for trick-or-treaters to knock on the homeowner's door. Keeping your entry brightly lit will make it safe for children.
- Carve pumpkins the safe way. It's a lot of fun to carve a pumpkin and use it as a decoration on your doorstep. Be safe and use a special pumpkin carving tool, instead of a kitchen knife. Stores have carving tools especially designed for children.
- Eliminate potential fire hazards. Some homeowners like to place candles inside their jack-o'-lanterns for special effects, but this can be a fire hazard. It is safer to use battery-operated candles or light sticks than live flames. Your jack-o'-lanterns might get tipped over, or trick-or-treaters' costumes, their props, and other Halloween decorations, especially dried flowers, may catch fire.
- Serve safe treats. Homeowners are responsible for the treats they provide their visitors. Make sure the treats you hand out are safe. Consider purchasing non-food treats, or commercially-packaged treats that are labeled and sealed.
- Confine your pets. Pets get highly excited when the doorbell rings and may want to greet and jump on a visitor. Some pets are very protective of their master and may attack a trick-or-treater. Keep your pets away from the door for everyone's safety and your peace of mind.
- Keep pets safe, too. Pets may also want a treat. Although chocolate is a favorite treat, it is lethal for animals because it contains a toxic chemical that will kill your pet. Candy wrappers, including tin foil, can obstruct their intestines. Keeping pets in a safe place inside your home is for their safety, too. With all the excitement, they could dart out the door and run away. Also, it is unfortunate, but some people like to play tricks on animals during Halloween.
- Keep yourself and your home safe. Halloween is an exciting time for children, but it is also a prime time for harmful tricks, including vandalism and burglaries. Your safety as a homeowner is paramount. Keep all doors and windows of your home locked and your garage secure. Do not leave valuable equipment, including garden tools, outside. Always check and see who is at the door before opening your home to strangers. If you are unsure of the visitor, do not open your door. Turn off all outdoor lights and check again and make sure all doors and windows are locked when you are done providing treats.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.
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