With trick or treaters, teen party goers and the possibility of a little adventure in the neighborhood, it pays to take a few precautions.
Open flames are a real hazard. If you use candles in your jack o'lanterns, make sure that they are not where costumes can connect with them. Put them on a shelf, on a garden wall or somewhere where they are not a potential fire hazard. We put ours on a little Workmate portable workbench in the front yard each year away from the sidewalk. In the dark, they look like they are floating in the air and yet are securely on the various levels of the shelves.
Keep pets safe. If any group has the potential for a bad Halloween experiences, pets would probably be close to the top of the list. Put your dogs and cats inside on Halloween night to minimize their stress and keep them safe from pranksters who might put them at risk. Don't let the kids feed them Halloween candy–not good for the digestive tract of any domestic animal.
Patrol occasionally. It doesn't hurt a couple of times Halloween evening to jump in the car or wander down the street with your cell phone and a strong flashlight. Taking the initiative to establish a presence can eliminate a vandalism or other problem before it starts.
Be safe, use a little extra care and plan ahead. You can make a difference in your children's safety this Halloween.
