Trick-or-treaters aren’t the only things that might give you a fright this Halloween — overlooked hazards on your property could result in costly homeowners’ insurance claims. A little preparation now can help you avoid real scares later.

To help prevent accidents — and potential insurance claims — here are 13 safety precautions you can take to prepare your home before trick-or-treaters arrive.

1. Ensure a clear and safe walkway. Remove any tripping hazards from your lawn, steps, porch, and pathway — including extension cords, garden hoses, potted plants, or decorations. Keeping these areas clear reduces the risk of injury and helps protect you from potential liability claims under your homeowner’s insurance.
2. Address structural hazards. Repair any loose or damaged porch railings, steps, or handrails. These issues can pose serious safety risks, especially if a trick-or-treater leans on them — and could result in a liability claim if someone gets injured on your property.
3. Document your property. Take clear photos of your home’s exterior and front yard before Halloween night. In the event of an accident, injury, or vandalism, having visual documentation can support your homeowner’s insurance claim and help streamline the process.
4. Keep pets safely secure. Halloween sights and sounds — from flashing lights to costumed visitors — can stress out pets, increasing the risk of unpredictable or aggressive behavior. To avoid injuries or property damage (and potential liability claims), keep your pets in a secure, quiet area away from the front door and trick-or-treating activity.
5. Illuminate walkways and entrances. Make sure sidewalks, steps, and pathways are well-lit to help prevent trips and falls. Proper lighting not only keeps trick-or-treaters safe but also reduces the chance of accidents that could lead to costly homeowners’ insurance claims.
6. Offer only prepackaged treats. To help prevent allergic reactions and potential liability issues, provide only factory-sealed, prepackaged candies. Clear labeling helps parents keep their children safe, reducing the risk of a serious incident—and any related insurance claims.
7. Minimize electrical risks. Use only intact, safety-approved electrical cords and decorations, and avoid overloading outlets or circuits. Secure cords carefully to prevent damage to insulation and eliminate tripping hazards. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical fires or shocks that could lead to costly insurance claims.
8. Choose safe decorations. Avoid hanging heavy items overhead that could fall and injure trick-or-treaters or guests, potentially leading to liability claims. Also, steer clear of startling pop-up decorations that might cause someone to trip or fall, increasing the risk of accidents on your property.
9. Host responsibly. If you’re throwing a Halloween party that includes alcohol, monitor your guests’ consumption carefully and encourage designated drivers. Serving alcohol responsibly helps prevent accidents and liability claims and remember—never serve alcohol to anyone under 21 to stay compliant with the law and protect your insurance coverage.
10. Reduce fire risks. Opt for LED lights instead of real candles in jack-o’-lanterns and paper luminarias. Real flames pose a significant fire hazard, especially with children present, increasing the chance of property damage and costly homeowners’ insurance claims.
11. Prepare for wet or icy conditions. Apply friction tape to steps and spread salt or sand on slippery sidewalks if temperatures drop near or below freezing. Taking these steps helps prevent slips and falls, reducing the risk of injuries and potential homeowners’ insurance claims during Halloween.
12. Clear the curb and garage your vehicle. Move parked cars away from the curb to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents involving young pedestrians. Parking your vehicle in the garage also helps protect it from potential dents, scratches, or vandalism, minimizing the chance of costly insurance claims.
13. Help prevent vandalism. Use motion-activated lights to brightly illuminate your home and deter vandals or mischief-makers during Halloween night. Taking this simple step can protect your property and help avoid expensive repair claims on your homeowner’s insurance.

Opening your home to trick-or-treaters and Halloween guests can increase your exposure to potential homeowners’ insurance claims or liability lawsuits. Be sure to consult your insurance professional to confirm that your policy is up to date and provides adequate coverage. After taking these safety precautions, you can relax and enjoy a fun, worry-free Halloween night.