Homeowners have a responsibility to keep their properties safe and hazard-free for all guests. Halloween is no exception.
When a homeowner expressly invites a trick-or-treater to come onto their property, they may assume their safety. If a trick-or-treater is injured while on the property (ex. slip, trip or fall), the property owner could be found at fault if they caused the hazard or knew about the dangerous condition and did not correct it.
Allstate Insurance offers these safety tips to help ensure an accident-free Halloween:
- Keep your home and lawn well lit– Most accidents during Halloween occur in a dark area, where a child or adult cannot see the stairs or sidewalk.
- Clear a path– Make sure the path from your driveway and/or sidewalk to the front door is free from obstructions and be sure to clearly mark any damaged portions of the sidewalk or driveway. If possible, park your car on the street or ideally in a garage.
- Clean up your yard– Trick-or-treaters often cut through yards to get from house to house. Anticipate potential hazards by cleaning up leaves, branches, and cables.
- Defrost– October weather can be unpredictable. Salt or de-ice potentially icy areas when weather is inclement.
To ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters and to avoid potential liability, take the appropriate measures this Halloween to remove any slip, trip or fall hazards.
Happy Halloween!
October 30, 2018
