Between pumpkin spice everything and haunted front-yard displays, your home is ready to shine (or glow eerily in the moonlight). But before the trick-or-treaters start knocking, make sure your haunted house is more fun than frightening. Here are our top five tips for a safe and awesome Halloween at home. 

• Tip #1 – Make your yard safe for trick-or-treaters
  While you may want your home to look like a spooky spectacle, don’t let safety get buried in the fog. Keep your stairs and walkways clear of pumpkins, webs, and props. Also, make sure pathways are well-lit, so little monsters don’t trip. Rake up slippery leaves, secure cords, and block off any uneven spots in your yard.
  
  
• Tip #2 – Light it up safely
  Candles may look eerie, but open flames and flammable decorations are a recipe for disaster. Swap them out for battery-powered candles, glow sticks, or LED lights to keep your home glowing without the fire risk. And remember—don’t overload outlets or string too many light sets together. Use outdoor-rated cords and plug decorations into GFCI outlets for an electrifyingly safe holiday.
  
  
• Tip #3 – Protect your pets
  Costumes and constant doorbell rings can stress out your furry friends. Keep pets in a secure room where they can relax, play music to calm them, or use a thundershirt if it helps. Bonus: you’ll also prevent any accidental escapes during candy handouts.
  
  
• Tip #4 – Turn on your smart tech
  Mischief Night and Halloween can bring unexpected “tricks.” Make sure your smart security devices—like video doorbells, outdoor cameras, and alarms—are turned on and working properly. And don’t forget the basics: lights on, doors locked.
  
  
• Tip #5 – Stick to wrapped treats
  Store-packaged candy is the way to go! Skip homemade goodies from strangers and keep your candy stash out of reach from curious pets.

With these simple steps, you can have a frightfully fun and safe Halloween! Thank you to our friends at VIPHomelink.com for this content.