While you may not feel the need to cover your front yard with fake spider webs and jack-o-lanterns, if you plan to distribute candy to any trick-or-treaters who stop by, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that all those little ghosts and witches have a safe, yet fun, festive night.
Turn on the light. A front porch light signals to trick-or-treaters that you’re participating. If you don’t wish to want trick-or-treaters or if you run out of candy, you can easily let people know by turning off your porch light. A pumpkin here or there also lets people know that you’re feeling festive!
Clear a path. Whether it’s Halloween décor or fallen leaves, be sure to leave a clear path for anyone coming to knock on your door. Any moisture or anything littering the ground between the sidewalk and your front door can easily become a slipping or tripping hazard and the last thing you need is an injured child. Don’t forget to check for things like bikes, potted plants or children’s toys that also need to be moved out of the way.
Turn on extra lights. While you may not normally turn on every light in the front of your home, turning on a few extras will help any visitors navigate your unfamiliar yard. Once you’ve lit up your front porch, check to see if you have any burned-out bulbs and replace them so that your front door and steps are well-lit.
Add safe and festive lighting. Decorative lights on the porch are perfect for adding just that little bit more visibility. Spooky lanterns or lit up pumpkins along the path put light right at trick-or-treaters’ feet. Battery-operated lights offer illumination without the risk of a fire hazard. If you do use real candles, you need to keep an eye on them at all times, keep them at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn, and sit them on a sturdy, level surface.
Put away pets. Your family pet may be the nicest on the planet, but with the door opening to unfamiliar guests every few minutes, it’s just not worth the risk. You don’t want your pet to escape or scare (or hurt) any candy-seeking children. It is best to keep pets inside and away from the door for everyone’s benefit, including the pets’!
Greet guests. If you plan to spend the whole night passing out treats, hang out outside! Create a seating area for yourself that lets visitors know that you’re ready for them to stop by. Plus, you can watch the parade of costumes! Once your lights are on, your decor out and any hazards put away, you can enjoy a safe, spooky night in the neighborhood.
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