Trick-or-treating is among our favorite childhood traditions in Central Ohio! Here are tips to help you enjoy a safe and happy Halloween!
First, plan your route ahead of time. Stick to areas you know. For the trick-or-treating hours in your community, click here for a list from the Columbus Dispatch.
Make sure your child’s costume does not impede movement. Masks, wigs and oversized hats can reduce vision. Use non-toxic makeup instead of masks, and make sure head adornments will not impair your child’s field of vision.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween. Dark costumes can be difficult for motorists to see. Use reflective tape on costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Also, be sure that children stick to crosswalks and sidewalks. Do not allow them to cut across driveways, alleys or yards.
Keep kids to a walking pace! A running, excited child fueled up on candy can be fun to watch, but hard to catch! Walking reduces the likelihood of a trip-and-fall injury.
Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. If you have older children going out by themselves, be sure they are armed with flashlights and cell phones, and know the route you’ve approved.
Never enter a stranger’s home for candy, even if it seems like an innocent invitation.
By Ohio law, registered sex offenders cannot make contact with children during trick-or-treating hours. Avoid homes that appear to be darkened. For more information, view this article from WCPO.
While tampered treats are not a common source of injury or illness, it isn’t unheard-of. Inspect all of the packaging of treats. If something appears to have been opened, punctured, or the shape of the treat is suspect, discard the item.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you observe suspicious activity, report it.
No school-age kids of your own? Be a good trick-or-treating host! Clear your walkway and front steps of leaves and debris. Keep the porch lights on. Have some non-food treats on hand, such as coloring books, stickers, or glow-sticks, so that kids with food allergies can have fun too. You can display a teal pumpkin to show you have non-food treats available; click here for more information.
Happy Halloween to you and your family! Remember, as your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
