Keep your New York home and community association haunt-free with these Halloween safety tips and reminders for homeowners and shareholders.
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Halloween Home Reminders for Homeowners and Shareholders
- Reserve Common Areas Early
Sign up to utilize clubhouses, and other common areas in advance if you plan on hosting a Halloween party outside of your home or unit. - Follow Community Policies
Adhere to community policies regarding Halloween decorations. For example, some co-ops, condos, and HOAS do not permit wreaths on exterior doors. - Contact Management for Exterior Lighting Repairs
Let your property manager know if any lighting in common areas needs repairs prior to Halloween. - Alternatives to Lights and Lawn Decorations
If exterior Halloween lighting and lawn decorations are not permitted in your community, get creative with window clings or interior decorations instead. - Keep Halloween Décor Family-Friendly
Keep any decorations that your neighbors can see family-friendly. Remember, your neighbors (and their guests) are of all ages. - Inform Guards or Security of Expected Guests
Inform guards and/or security of any guests prior to a party or gathering. - Keep Pests from Haunting the Community
If permitted on the exterior of your co-op, condo, or HOA, consider only displaying fake pumpkins outside so that they do not attract pests such as squirrels. - Be Courteous of Noise
If you are hosting a Halloween party, be courteous to your neighbors by keeping noise to a respectable level (or just invite them, or give them a heads-up prior to the event).
Trick-Or-Treating Safety Reminders
- Plan for the Weather Forecast
Check the weather forecast before trick-or-treating to properly prepare for cold or rainy weather. - Bring Flashlights and Reflective Gear When Trick-or-Treating
Use extra caution when trick or treating outdoors by wearing reflective Halloween wear, glow sticks, blinking light accessories, etc. There are many ways to get creative and add an extra element of practical fun and safety to costumes. For example, if you run or bike at night, you can re-purpose some of that reflective gear for Halloween. - Don’t Forget the Treats Outside
Bring in any leftover candy after Halloween is over. - Inspect Candy from Trick or Treating
Before consumption, check all collected candy to make sure that all packages are fully sealed. - Watch Your Step
Use caution in parking lots, streets, and sidewalks that may be wet and/or covered in leaves.
Avoid Halloween Fire Hazards
- Replace Frayed or Broken Lighting
Check wiring and bulbs on all lights and decorations. If they are frayed or broken, replace them. - Keep Halloween and Fall Scents Flame-Free
Use plug-in fragrances, sprays, or other flameless options rather than incense or candles. - Go LED for Candles and Decorations
Choose LED lights instead of flame-lit candles for Halloween lighting and jack-o-lanterns. - Use Lighting Correctly
Follow the usage instructions on lighting boxes. For example, only use outdoor lights outside. - Time Your Halloween Lighting
Keep decorations from overheating by putting them on a timer. This will also help prevent a “surprise” high electric bill as well. - Keep Decorations at a Distance
Decorations with a lighting or heat source can become a fire hazard when they overheat. Keep them far away from objects that can potentially catch fire such as blankets and curtains.
Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners and Shareholders
- Prevent Tripping Hazards
Keep pumpkins away and clear of areas that can be tripping hazards. Additionally, make sure that costumes will not cause tripping while trick-or-treating. - No Boo (Boos)
Use caution when carving pumpkins to avoid cuts. Alternatively, there are many ways to get creative without carving a pumpkin.
Halloween Pet Safety
- Stick to Pet-Friendly Treats Only
Keep all candy away from non-human family members. - Be Mindful of Pet Costumes
If you plan to dress up your pet, make sure they are in something that is weather-appropriate. Additionally, keep them out of costumes that can be choking or tripping hazards. - Keep Choking Hazards Away from Pets
If you have pets that like chewing on household objects, avoid choking hazards from decorations such as ribbons, sting, gel clings, etc. Additionally, keep string lights away from pets if you find that they like to chew wires.
Have a Safe Halloween!
We hope you enjoy the crisp air, changing leaves, and magical spirit that fall and Halloween have to offer! Remember to keep these home and community safety tips in mind before and during Halloween to keep the scares away.
