Safe and Spooktacular Halloween Ideas

Halloween is upon us! Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for ghosts and goblins to knock on your door, or going trick-or-treating with your kids, here are some tips to have a safe and “spooktacular” Halloween.

Carefully Consider Your Candy Offering

Not all candy is appropriate for every child. Avoid candy that poses a choking hazard for toddlers, and keep in mind that many children have peanut allergies. Even if the candy doesn’t contain peanuts, it could be made in a facility that handles peanuts, so be sure to check the bag label for a peanut allergy warning. Want to switch it up and give a more unique offering this year? Stickers, glow bracelets, mini flashlights, bubbles, and other little knick-knacks make great additions or alternatives. Always guard your tantalizing treats, and never leave your bowl unattended outside. There is always a possibility that someone could taint your candy stash, and it’s not worth taking a chance!

Illuminate Your Haunting Home

A dimly lit entryway will set a spooky mood, but it also increases the chances of an accident. Make sure the exterior lights of your home are working, and consider turning on flood lights to illuminate the darkest areas of your yard. If you plan on going big like Clark Griswold, be sure to follow manufacturer installation instructions, and don’t forget any exterior light should be plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. Also, create a clear path to your home by removing any leaves and brush, and practice Jack-o-Lantern safety by using battery-powered lights instead of real candles.

Keep Your Furry Friends Safe

Strange noises and people can scare your pets on Halloween, so it’s important to keep them inside. It might be best to keep your pets in a separate room, so they don’t dash out the front door during peak trick-or-treat hours. Another hazard for animals is the Halloween candy which can be toxic! Chocolate in all forms, especially dark chocolate, can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause serious health problems in pets.

Proactively Avoid the Bad Tricks

While most trick-or-treaters are pleasant and creatively-dressed children, there are some who take “tricks” too far. The best key to avoiding these tricks on Halloween night is to think ahead and take precautions. If you plan on being out and about, lock your doors and windows, and leave inside and outside lights on. Park your car in your garage, or park as close to your home as possible in a well-lit area.

If you are ready to begin the process of finding your perfect haunted house, call one of our expert Loan Officers today! We’re dying  to hear from you!