Halloween is a fun holiday no matter what age you are. The big weekend is coming up and you’re bound to have a fun array of kiddos in costumes up and down your yard this holiday. Not everyone always takes into consideration the safety of their yard before the spooky night comes. Let’s take a look at how you can prepare to aid in a, not only fun but safe Halloween!

Inspect Your Yard

First things first, taking a walk around your yard and inspecting for exposed roots, sticks, wires, cords – anything that could create a trip hazard. I know you remember when you were a kid running from house to house in the dark trying to grab as much candy as possible, the last thing on your mind was watching out for things you could potentially trip over! Making sure the path is clear is the easiest thing you could do!

Light the Way

Having a porch light or your front light on can really help brighten the path for the trick or treaters – especially if they have a mask on! A little light can go a long way. Make sure that if you are lighting the path that you stick to the first tip and do not have any wires or cords laying around. Sometimes too many of those solar yard lights can be overkill and get trampled by groups – something to keep in mind!

Will the Doggo Go Crazy?

Every dog is different and every kid is different – if you’re in a high traffic trick or treating area, it might be a good idea to bring the pooch to a different room. With the door knocking, bell ringing, and door opening/closing more than usual, this might trigger your pup to act a little more on edge than normal. Not every dog is going to need this extra thought and attention on Halloween night but it is something to take into consideration if you have a reactive dog.

Should I Light Candles in the Front?

Halloween decorations are all about the spooky factor. Lots of candles and flickering lights can really amp up the scaries- one thing to think about before adding fire-lit decorations is the high traffic that might be moving around in your yard. With costumes flying in the wind or dragging on the ground, it might be a good idea to use the battery-powered tea lights instead of creating a potential fire hazard so close to people and your property.

Consider Placing a Teal Pumpkin By Your Front Door

Have you stopped to consider what Halloween would be like for kids with food allergies? I can imagine it’s pretty difficult! FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) started a project that benefits the 1 in 13 children living with food allergies. This organization challenges you to place a teal pumpkin in your front yard as well as have non-food trinkets on hand (here is your excuse to splurge at the dollar store). You might just make a child’s night that thought they weren’t going to be able to get anything fun from the night (https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project)

With all of this being said, have a happy, spooky, scary and SAFE Halloween weekend 🙂