Keeping Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters

Halloween is an exciting time of year for both children and adults. Decorations, costumes and fall festivities are just a few things that make the holiday so thrilling. Especially around the Marietta area – where neighborhoods are prime for trick or treating. So, if you’re planning to stay home to hand out goodies on Halloween this year, make sure to keep areas of your home that visitors will frequent safe and enjoyable.

What is premises liability, and what does it have to do with Halloween?

Premises liability can be claimed in a situation where an individual is injured from negligence while on someone else’s property. Essentially, the injured party can claim that the property owner may be at fault. Georgia law requires both public and private property owners to maintain a safe environment for people that are legally on their premises. If someone is injured by negligence on another person’s property, they have the right to make a claim against the property owner. While Halloween may not seem like a time when premises liability is relevant, it can be a common occurrence if home owners are willingly allowing trick-or-treaters onto their property. If a homeowner’s property exemplifies an environment that is not safe on Halloween night, and an injury occurs, a premises liability claim could potentially be made. Below are a few tips to keep you and trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween.

Preparing for trick-or-treaters

• Keep your sidewalks, yard and any walkway areas well-lit.
• If you’re using decorations, make sure they don’t cause a trip-hazard. This also applies to electrical cords, hoses, etc.
• In order to avoid a fire hazard, utilize battery-powered decorations and candles.
• If using fog-machines, make sure they aren’t in an area that will obstruct a visitor’s walkway or increase the likeliness of a trip and fall accident.
• Leave four-legged pals inside, including dogs. The combination of Halloween lights, decorations and unknown visitors can increase an animal’s aggressiveness and make them feel threatened and overwhelmed. Keep them inside to ensure the safety of the pet and visitors, regardless of how friendly they usually are.
• Even if you’re not participating in trick-or-treating, keep walkways clear. The lights can be turned off in a house, but you still may get trick-or-treaters. It’s important to maintain a safe walkway for them whether you are actively celebrating Halloween or not.

Slip and fall accidents on Halloween can be a scary experience for anyone involved. Click here for more information on premises liability.

Halloween should be a fun and exciting experience for everyone involved, so make sure you’re taking the proper steps to ensure a safe environment for trick-or-treaters. The entire staff at Jones & Swanson wishes everyone a Happy and safe Halloween!