Are you doing enough to ensure Halloween safety?

With Halloween just around the corner, many of your clients may not realize just how frightening this night can be their safety, property or accounts.To help individuals, families, and businesses enjoy the holiday, share these safety tips with your clients:

• Don’t be a scary driver. Drive sober, slowly and even more carefully than usual on Halloween. Watch out for children who may be running or wearing dark costumes.
• Don’t be a scary pedestrian. While walking, do not text or use a cell phone unless necessary—especially as traffic and the number of children outdoors increase throughout the day and evening.
• Hear and be heard. Make sure costumes don’t impair your hearing. Alert yourself to the sounds of moving vehicles, other groups of pedestrians, bicyclists and animals.
• Stay accident-free. Temporarily move lawn furniture, decorations, and any other obstacles to avoid accidents or damage. To avoid trick-or-treater injuries on your property, ensure your home’s entry is in good condition and that walkways are clear.
• Prevent fires. Place pumpkins that contain candles at a distance where curious guests can’t tip them over or accidentally ignite a costume. Extinguish all candles before going to bed and use battery-operated lights if possible.
• Wear a safe costume. All disguises should be made from flame-resistant materials and shouldn’t contain sharp accessories. Be sure the costume fits and isn’t too long, and avoid masks that may obscure vision.
• See and be seen. Encourage all trick-or-treaters and adult chaperones to carry a flashlight and, if possible, wear bright colors. Apply light-reflecting material to costumes for additional safety.
• There’s power in numbers. When traveling on foot, walk in groups, cross only at corners and crosswalks—never between parked cars—and keep to well-lit streets.
• Fend off unwelcome guests. Keep outdoor lights on to scare away thieves and vandals who often take advantage of a busy Halloween night to strike.
• Keep pets safe. Secure all pets indoors. Warn children to stay away from animals as they go door-to-door. Halloween night can be stressful, even for the friendliest creatures.
• Carry an umbrella. Make sure you have homeowners or renters insurance, which can provide protection for Halloween mishaps like slips and falls, a candle that sets a costume on fire, and more. An umbrella policy may be the best option for comprehensive coverage.

Alerting your clients to these important safety tips will ensure everyone has a safe, and memorable Halloween holiday. Have fun and most importantly — be safe!