Scary “Trick or Treat” – Halloween Exposures

Halloween is a great holiday for the parents and kids to roam the streets together in their “scary” costumes. From door to door, kids screaming “trick or treat” with excitement to get their favorite sweets. Although that may be wonderful and joyful, once a claim arises from these trick-or-treaters, it may turn out to be a scary night.

There are many exposures that can arise from children straying through the night in costumes. Here are some possible Halloween-related disasters:

1. Kids are crossing the street in their dark costumes
   1. Of course, you should be driving slowly in the night during Halloween, but if a group of kids in costumes dart out to the street in front of your car, there could be a serious accident. Make sure to keep your eyes wide open and drive defensively.
2. A trick-or-treater is injured on your property
   1. If someone who is entering onto your property, whether it is a trick-or-treater or a guest, make sure you have the proper coverage on your homeowners or renters insurance should an injury occur on your property.
3. Fire in your home
   1. There are some that are huge enthusiasts when it comes to Halloween: scary mazes, life-like skeletons, etc. Many people would use candles to present a gloomy feel to the environment. However, one might get knocked from its stand and start a fire to your house. Make sure the right protective devices, such as, fire extinguishers, emergency phone, etc., are in place.

You want to make sure you have the proper coverage in place, such as, liability on your homeowners, medical payment coverage, proper liability limits on your auto insurance, etc.

Here are some basic steps you could take to make your home safe for trick-or-treaters this Halloween night:

• Remove any objects around the outside or inside of the house that could cause children or individuals to trip or fall.
• Turn your outside light on to indicate that children can approach you for sweets.
• Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, matches and lighters in a place where children cannot reach.
• When driving on the road, make sure you are driving no more than the speed limit in residential areas and keep your eyes open for any children walking across the street.

Insurance Incorporated wishes you a safe and spooky Halloween night!