Halloween: The Scariest Holiday…Especially for Insurance Providers

Halloween is definitely the spookiest holiday of the year.  Ghosts, goblins and ghouls are out and about, and the whole goal of the evening is to be scared (in good fun of course) and collect as much candy as possible.

Did you know that insurance providers are scared of Halloween too?  No, the vampires aren’t what have them trembling.  It’s the liability of the festivities that have them so afraid.  So what exactly should you be worried about (in regards to insurance) this Halloween?

Jack-o-Lantern “Oops”

Carving pumpkins is a huge deal to many people on or around Halloween, and for kids, this is a sort of “coming of age” activity.  However, knives are dangerous at any age, and when you mix that with a slippery pumpkin that is an awkward shape and texture to carve, it’s a recipe for disaster.  In the hands of an inexperienced child, this can be a very dangerous situation.  Hospitals dole out many stitches and tetanus shots due to knife slip-ups, and you don’t want to end up in the ER getting pain meds instead of candy.

If you want to decorate pumpkins for Halloween, look for specialty kits designed for kids to use, or opt for an even safer option and paint your pumpkins instead!  It’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy regardless of age!

Also regarding jack-o-lanterns, it’s always best to opt for battery operated “candles” or lights instead of real flame.  A small flame can quickly turn dangerous and devastating for both your children and your home.

Trick-or-Treat Trip Ups

While decorating for any holiday is fun, Halloween decorations need to have a special consideration.  Since you know children and adults of all ages will be walking on your property (including across your front yard), decorations should be evaluated for safety and liability concerns in addition to “spooky wow-factor”.  If there is a risk of a child tripping over any decorations and being injured, it’s best to alter or move the decoration.  Make sure you have proper lighting, and if necessary, add illuminates or other light sources to your walkway areas to keep your yard well-lit for trick-or-treaters.

Additionally, Halloween is a great time to make sure areas such as your driveway, walkway, etc. are in good shape with no loose stones/bricks, cracks, etc.  No time like the present to repair those damages before someone gets hurt!

Vampires, Villans, and…Vandalism?

Unfortunately, Halloween does have a history of bringing out the worst in some people.  The time surrounding Halloween is often used for vandalism and “tricks” (usually by young adults and teens) that can do damage to your home.  To protect yourself and your home from petty tricksters, make sure you keep your property well-lit.  If possible, park your vehicle(s) in your garage, and lock up anything that could be stolen or damaged.

Ferocious Fido

This might be a less obvious Halloween risk, but if your dog tends to be antsy around strangers, especially around kids, you need to make sure they are locked up on Halloween.  All it takes is one bite to an unsuspecting stranger and you are automatically liable, and your dog could even be at risk when the bite is reported (this varies depending on the area in which you live).  Make sure your dog is kept comfortable and as far away from the action as possible if they don’t love having visitors.  Even if your dog is usually friendly, it might be best to keep them at a distance from the festivities since it can be overwhelming to them, and stress can lead to unexpected behavior.

We hope this has given you some food for thought this Halloween.  If you have concerns about your coverage, and want to make sure you’re prepared for anything the Halloween holiday can toss your way, give us a call!  Carroll Marshall Insurance is prepared to help you customize an insurance coverage plan that meets all your needs.