It’s no secret that this Halloween is going to be much different than any we’ve experienced. This year has come with challenges that have shifted the typical joyful spookiness of the holiday into an atmosphere a bit more unsettling. Despite social distancing and additional safety precautions in place, Halloween will likely still carry the accompanying perils and potential liabilities, along with a few new risks. Refer to our list of helpful tips for having a safe Halloween during COVID-19.
What are the Standard Risks of Halloween?
Before addressing how COVID-19 has affected our holiday fun, let’s not forget that, despite the pandemic, there remain the normal Halloween concerns. Some long-established property risks and liabilities you need to be wary of include:
- Vandalism and Pranks: You can tell children to stay inside, but there will inevitably be troublemakers that defy orders. However, don’t fret if your home is a victim of thrown eggs or “TP-ing,” as your homeowners insurance will cover theft and damages.
- Fire Risks: The NFPA Fire Analysis & Research Division reports an average of 860 fires caused by candles alone on Halloween. Take precautionary measures against fires by avoiding the use of open flames and having a fire extinguisher accessible near flammable decorations.
- General Liabilities: Ensure you have good lighting on your property and your decorations don’t cause tripping hazards on your sidewalk or driveway. Liability insurance can protect you from any accidents, but you must consider the safety of others regardless.
Though we’ll be celebrating the holiday differently than usual, make sure you’re protected from these potential risks by investing in the right insurance with your insurance agent.
How to Have a Halloween Safe During COVID-19
The spirit of the holiday shouldn’t be completely extinguished as a result of COVID-19. There are many fun activities you and your family can perform this Halloween. It all depends on the level of risk you’re willing to accept.
Low-Risk Halloween Activities
If you prefer to properly socially distance this Halloween, you still have options to celebrate the holiday. Some low-risk activities you and your family can enjoy include:
- Host a Virtual Costume Contest: Coordinate a live call over a video-conferencing app so your children and their friends can show off their Halloween costumes.
- Carve Pumpkins: Have the whole family create Jack-o’-Lanterns and proudly display them in your windows or yard. Your neighbors can participate at a safe distance, too.
- Host a Movie Night: Have a Halloween movie marathon with the family. You can involve friends or relatives by interacting over video chat.
Decorating your living space or yard can also evoke a festive attitude in this otherwise chaotic year.
Moderate-Risk Halloween Activities
The CDC advises against traditional ventures such as door-to-door trick-or-treating or attending indoor haunted houses or parties, but if you are in a low-risk community, some alternative activities include:
- One-Way Trick-or-Treating: Display individually wrapped goodie bags in your front yard for families to grab on the go while safely social distancing.
- Outdoor Costume Party: Attend or host a costume party held outdoors, where masks can be used and people can remain 6 feet apart.
- Costume Parade: Have a small group hold a costume parade around the neighborhood, where participants walk at a safe distance from each other.
While these activities may hold slightly more risk, if everyone involved follows safe-distancing and mask-wearing rules, the risk of transmission is sharply decreased.
Having a safe Halloween during COVID-19 depends on your dedication to taking these precautions. As seen, Halloween can still be a joyous occasion for the whole family. If you take measures to protect your family from COVID-19, we here at TJ Woods Insurance can match you with the appropriate homeowners insurance to protect you from holiday accidents or vandalism. Contact us today to see how we can keep you safe for Halloween and all the holidays that follow.
