On Halloween night, it doesn’t take much for an otherwise good time to go sideways. Mind you, most of the ghouls and goblins roaming about will be looking for treats, but a few of them will be more interested in ill-advised tricks and pranks.
Have you ever noticed someone’s egged car and cringed at the thought of cleanup? How about jumped out of bed in the middle of the night because you weren’t certain that you put out the candle in your jack-o-lantern? Instead of letting these common Halloween hazards get the better of you, read on for a few handy tips on preventing an unnecessary insurance claim.
Tip #1 – Keep Pets Indoors
With all the excitement going on, and new people constantly coming to the door, it’s wise to keep Lucky inside the house where he can’t take a nip out of one of the neighbours. Not only will you avoid a potential liability claim; restricting your pets to a designated part of the house reduces the likelihood they will destroy decorations or accidentally binge on a bowl of mini-chocolate bars when you’re not looking.
Tip #2 – Park in a Well-Lit Place
If possible, park your vehicle safely in the garage. At a minimum, look for a spot in a well-lit area where potential pranksters will think twice before “decorating” your car. Note: if your vehicle is hit by major vandalism–such as a broken window–it will likely be covered by comprehensive auto insurance.
Tip #3 – Make Batteries Your Best Friend
Fire-prevention is always an important consideration, but especially so on Halloween. Open flames and children running about hopped up on sweets is a disaster waiting to happen. You can create a delightfully haunted atmosphere and reduce your risk of an accident by using battery-operated candles, especially in your pumpkin.
Tip #4 – Clear Walkways
A super spooky costume might have the downside of limited mobility, or reduced visibility when navigating stairs or walkways. Take a moment to scan around your home and address potential hazards, such as uneven walkways, loose handrails, or poorly lit stairs. Use common sense when giving guests access to your home. For example, don’t send people to the second floor, when they could just as easily use the guest bathroom on the main floor.
Tip #5 – Say No to Drinking and Driving
Never forget that houseguests are ultimately in your care when you’re serving alcohol. Don’t hesitate to call someone a cab, or help them get a designated driver-for-hire to take their vehicle home. Similarly, if you plan to enjoy alcohol, make sure you have a plan for getting home safely. If you’re the designated driver, give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. You’ll need to stay focused, and be extra watchful for pedestrians and trick-or-treaters who could make an unexpected move or accidentally step in your path.
From all of us at Johnston Meier Insurance, have a safe and happy Halloween!
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