Happy Halloween, everyone! It's almost time to enjoy all the thrills, chills, and sweet treats that this beloved fall holiday is known for, and our real estate agents couldn't be happier.

Unfortunately, the spooky season also comes with some unique dangers for both adults and children. Here are some of the things we recommend doing to protect yourself and your family this Halloween season. 

• Choose Bright, Easily Visible Costumes
  Since most Halloween activities take place at night, wearing a dark-colored costume can make it hard to see. This increases your risk of being involved in a traffic accident and may even make it harder for you to get help if you're injured. Wearing a costume with lots of light or bright colors on it will help you stand out from the shadows and make it harder for people to miss you. 
  
  If you or your kids really want to wear a darker costume, add a reflective accessory to the outfit to make the wearer easier to see. Reflective tape is easy to add to hats, capes, and other costume pieces without spoiling their overall look. Carrying a flashlight, glow stick, or brightly colored trick-or-treat bag will also do the trick.
  
  
• Be Street-Smart
  If you're going to be walking around outside on Halloween, be sure to follow the rules of the road. Keep to sidewalks whenever possible, only crossing roads at marked intersections.
  
  Take extra time to look both ways and make sure any vehicles in front of you have fully stopped before stepping out onto the road. Stick to populated, well-lit areas where there are lots of other people around. Do not use your cell phone while walking, and keep your attention on your surroundings. 
  
  
• Drive Carefully
  Most areas see a big increase in foot traffic on Halloween night. Excited kids may also act unpredictably on the road, running out from driveways or into intersections without properly checking for cars first. 
  
  To compensate for this, use extra caution when driving. Slow down and turn your headlights on a little earlier than you normally would. Take extra time to scan intersections, alleys, and medians for kids before proceeding along your path. Don't hesitate to use your horn to alert someone who may be in danger on the road.
  
  
• Use the Buddy System
  Whether you're a kid knocking on doors or an adult heading out to a costume party, Halloween is best enjoyed with friends. Always have at least one other person with you or your kids during the night's festivities. 
  
  Kids under 12 should be supervised by a trusted adult during trick-or-treating excursions. Older kids may be mature enough to go out with just their friends, but this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you decide to let your kids go unchaperoned, make sure they know never to venture out on their own. The larger they group they stick with, the safer they'll be.
  
  
• Take Care with Your Treats
  Carefully inspect any treats you or your kids receive from others on Halloween. Only accept homemade treats from people you know. Treats received from strangers should be factory-wrapped and unopened.

Contact us today to learn more about the many premium homes we have for sale in Ohio's top neighborhoods and set yourself up for safe celebrations all year long.