Tips for Homeowners on Halloween
Children and adults alike look forward to the fun and festivities of Halloween. Many homeowners go all out, transforming their homes with hay-strewn harvest themes or turning them into ghostly graveyards and elaborate haunted houses, all with the intention of giving trick or treaters and their parents an additional thrill. Whether your idea of decorating means draping everything in a layer of cobwebs or simply having a few lit jack-o-lanterns on the porch, it is important to keep in mind the safety of your visitors. Homeowner liability for injuries that occur on your property is an important factor in anticipation of Halloween. Taking a few steps to ensure your property is safe can prevent harm to trick or treaters and their families, while ensuring your best interests are protected.
Decorating Your Home for Halloween
Decorating the family home for different holidays and seasons is a tradition for many people, and many neighborhoods go all out with friendly competitions over who has the most elaborate décor. The home improvement experts at Today’s Homeowner offer a variety of Halloween decorating themes that are sure to thrill both your family and any Halloween visitors. At the same time, they urge homeowners to protect themselves and other by following these Halloween decorating safety tips:
- Make sure pathways are well lit;
- Keep walkways clear and free of debris;
- Avoid fire hazards by using battery operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and displays;
- Make sure any tricks meant to scare or surprise trick or treaters do not actually touch anyone or cause them to trip; and
- Make sure any wiring or lighting is approved for outdoor use.
Preventing Halloween Havoc at Your Home
Your home is an investment, and keeping that investment safe at Halloween is a matter of both preventing injuries to visitors as well as protecting it from harm by vandals. While your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover your home if your windows are soaped or your trees are draped in toilet paper by Halloween pranksters, it may provide coverage against three common types of damages homeowners are at risk for on Halloween. According to the Insurance Information Institute, your home may be covered by homeowners or renters insurance for the following:
- Vandalism: Broken windows, damaged siding, and stolen lawn ornaments and fixture resulting from Halloween vandals;
- Fire: Fire-related losses caused by lit jack-o-lanterns or faulty wiring; and
- Injuries: The liability portion of your policy my cover any injuries sustained by Halloween party guests or trick or treaters that occur on your property.
Contact Our Experienced Real Estate Attorneys Today
If someone is injured on your property or your home suffers damage at Halloween, contact our experienced New York real estate attorneys today. At Cavallo & Cavallo, our attorneys can help ensure your insurance provides reimbursement for any injuries sustained and any damages you incur. We’re your neighborhood law firm, here when you need us, providing the kind of aggressive representation you need in all your real estate matters.
