As a homeowner, you will want to make sure that your property is safe for those who enter it this Halloween. Keep reading, and give our skilled Essex County slip and fall accident attorneys a call today.
Make sure your walkways are clear.
Make sure that all walkways and the front yard are clean and clutter-free to prevent falls. Put your car in the garage. Lock your garage doors. Clean wet leaves from sidewalks and stairs. Move bikes, garden hoses, potted plants, and skateboards away from areas that are likely to be walked on by groups of people. Decorative items and jack-o-lanterns should also be placed at a safe distance from crowds to prevent people from knocking them over or tripping on them. Recognize that kids often run from house to house and they don’t always stay on sidewalks, so, if you’re setting up a display, be sure it is well-lit and visible. If you are constructing a lawn display make sure to keep walkways clear. Also, do not run cords over sidewalks where people might trip over them or hurt themselves.
Make sure your property is properly lit.
Replace burned-out bulbs in exterior lights. If needed, install more lights in the front yard to avoid individuals tripping over something he or she can’t see. If you will not be home for trick-or-treating, turn your lights off to prevent children from coming to your property.
All lighting should be grounded.
Try not to overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or portable decorative objects. All outdoor lighting should be grounded, including low-voltage outdoor security lights and any Halloween lights. You will only want to use concealed electric outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
When it comes to jack-o-lanterns, safety first.
If you intend to use candles in your jack-o-lanterns, keep them far away from direct walkways. This will help reduce fire hazards, such as costumes, props, or decorations catching on fire. A great choice to open flames is to use battery-powered light sources or light sticks.
Be sure your trick-or-treaters are visible to drivers.
Add reflector strips to your child’s costume, or have them carry a flashlight or light stick to make them more visible at night. This will not only ensure they are seen by drivers, but will also help you keep an eye on them if they end up getting too far ahead.
Keep your pets inside.
Pets are easily scared on Halloween, so keeping them inside will protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.
Assure you have home security.
If you will be away from your home during Halloween, you will want to set your security alarm system before you go. This is a prime time of year for mischief and burglaries. To increase your home’s safety, you can also trigger motion-sensitive lights and tell your neighbors that you will not be home.
Test Your Smoke Alarms.
With jack-o-lanterns being a popular go-to for Halloween, you will want to test your smoke alarms before Halloween celebrations take place.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. for a free consultation today.
