Tips for a Safer Halloween

Now that autumn is here, it means that Halloween is just around the corner and families are excitedly preparing. Kids are picking out their costumes and homeowners are getting ready to put up decorations. They’re also stocking up on candy for the influx of trick-or-treaters. Halloween can be a lot of fun, but staying safe should be a top priority. Here are a few tips for preparing in your HOA community:

Turn on the Lights: While you may want to give off a spooky aura for the holiday, make sure your porch and walkway are well-lit. You don’t want anyone to stumble and get hurt. Remind your kids to avoid homes where lights are not on and never to enter anyone’s home or car to pick up a treat.

Clean Up: Take a few minutes to check out your porch and yard and make sure that it is free from any obstacles such as hoses, cords, or toys. Consider moving décor out of the way if it poses any risk. Also, sweep away dead leaves or other debris so that it doesn’t become slippery or hide uneven pavement.

Check costumes: Your child’s costume should be easy for them to move around in and masks shouldn’t obstruct their vision. Make adjustments so that they’re able to navigate steps and can bend and turn in response to what is around them. Any accessories such as wands or swords should be soft so they don’t hurt themselves or others. Consider adding reflecting tape to their costume or candy bag as well so they’re more easily seen.

Stay on the Path: Try to stick to parts of the neighborhood that have sidewalks so children are not walking in the street. Travel as a group and have at least one adult supervising children. Bringing flashlights and glow sticks can help improve visibility by others and allow you to better see where you are walking when between homes.

Drive Slowly: If you find yourself having to drive through the neighborhood on Halloween, remember to go slowly and pay careful attention for children that may dart out from between cars or at street corners. Be extra cautious in areas where visibility is poor such as on hills, around corners, or where multiple cars are parked along the edge of the road.

Halloween festivities can be a great way to bring the whole community together whether trick-or-treating or holding a party in the club house. Watch out for yourself and others and do your part to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable evening for all. Kuester can help your community prepare for the holidays and ensure all residents stay informed.

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Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.

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