It’s that time of year. Leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and kids are gearing up for their favorite candy filled holiday. While Halloween is a treat for the kids, don’t forget to protect yourself and your home from more than just ghouls and goblins. With fire lit decorations and children running about the dark, mishaps can occur. Between carving your pumpkins and shopping for candy, take a minute to review your insurance policies and consider the liabilities you may face this time of year.
Here are some of the most common mishaps that could lead to an insurance claim and tips to help avoid them.
Slips and falls – With children running up and down steps to each house eager for candy, slips and falls are bound to happen.
Tip: While you can’t stop every fall from occurring, you can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of a slip on your property. Remove leaves from your steps, which can be slippery, especially when wet. This time of year temperatures are unpredictable so check for ice where people may walk and lay down some salt if necessary.
Jack-o-lantern fire – We all love those spooky and silly faces greeting us at the door, but remember you’re playing with fire when it comes to your Jack-o-lanterns.
Tip: Keep those pumpkins away from dried leaves or other objects that could easily catch fire. When the night is over, don’t forget to blow out any lit candles before you head to bed.
Vandalized property – Most kids come to your door looking for treats, but every year we hear about those tricksters who leave a mess much bigger than candy wrappers.
Tip: Keep your lights on well into the evening. Not only is this safe for trick-or-treaters, but it may deter those who want to egg your house or commit other types of vandalism to your property.
Dog Bites: We love our four-legged furry family members, but a dog’s anxiety or excitement when their home has an abundance of visitors ringing the doorbell all evening and could lead them to bite a child at your door.
Tip: Animals can act in unpredictable ways so best to keep your pets in a separate room while kids are coming and going from your front door.
Luckily, if any of these events occur, your homeowners’ policy should cover you, but check your policy beforehand to be sure and talk to your agent if you have any questions. While you can and should take the steps outlined above to protect your home and those little visitors who come to your door, confirming that your coverage protects you from these incidents will make your Halloween a little less scary.