Halloween safety: liability considerations for homeowners

As Halloween approaches, homeowners across the country are preparing for trick-or-treaters and festivities. While this holiday brings fun and excitement, it also presents unique liability risks for property owners. At East Street Insurance, we want to help you understand potential Halloween hazards and how your homeowners insurance can protect you.

Common Halloween liability risks

• Premises liability: Your walkway, porch and yard will likely see increased foot traffic on Halloween night. If a trick-or-treater trips on an uneven walkway or decorative prop and gets injured, you could be held financially responsible.

• Decoration hazards: Those spooky decorations can pose real risks. Open flames in jack-o'-lanterns, electrical cords from animated props or flammable materials can cause fires or injuries that might lead to liability claims.

• Pet-related incidents: Even the friendliest pets can become stressed with constant doorbell ringing and strangers in costumes. If your dog or cat bites or scratches a visitor, you could face liability issues.

How your East Street homeowners policy protects you

The good news is that your East Street homeowners insurance includes personal liability coverage that can help in these situations. Our standard policies include liability protection that covers:

• Medical expenses for injured guests

• Legal defense costs if you're sued

• Damages you're legally obligated to pay

Most East Street home policies offer at least $500,000 in liability coverage, but you can always increase this amount for additional protection.

Safety tips to reduce your risk

• Clear pathways: Remove tripping hazards like garden hoses, toys and lawn decorations from walkways.

• Light it up: Ensure your property is well-lit, especially walkways and steps.

• Secure decorations: Make sure all decorations are properly secured and that electrical cords don't create tripping hazards.

• Consider flameless alternatives: Use battery-operated candles instead of real ones.

• Contain pets: Keep pets in a secure room away from the front door during trick-or-treating hours.

Consider umbrella coverage for extra protection

For comprehensive protection, East Street offers umbrella liability policies that provide coverage beyond your standard homeowners policy limits. This extra layer of security can give you peace of mind during Halloween and throughout the year.

When to contact East Street

If you're concerned about your current liability coverage or want to explore umbrella options, we're here to help. Our practical guidance makes insurance easy to understand, and our tailored policies can be personalized to your specific needs.

Contact East Street Insurance today at (833) 327-8787 or visit our Customer Service page to discuss your coverage options. Let us help you protect what matters most this Halloween season.

On the Road is for educational and informational purposes only. On the Road is compiled from various sources, which may or may not be affiliated with our family of companies, and may include the assistance of artificial intelligence. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable content, we make no warranties or guarantees about its completeness, accuracy, or reliability, and are not responsible for the content of any third-party sources or websites referenced herein. The inclusion of any content does not establish a business relationship or constitute our endorsement, approval, or recommendation of any third party. Testimonials and examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee future or similar results or outcomes, and may not consider individual circumstances, goals, needs, or objectives. On the Road does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. For individual guidance, please consult a qualified professional in the appropriate field.

Coverages subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Subject to underwriting review and approval.