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many Ghosts, Princesses, and Ninja Turtles will be flooding the streets of our communities in search of the best treats and the worst of tricks. Tis article will help prepare you for a safe and fun fall event. Along with the homeowners, the community association can do its part in preventing accidents and/or even worse an injury by taking a few small steps ensuring all is in working order around the communities prior to Halloween.

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Of course parents have a big hand in ensuring a safe and fun holiday.

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can be achieved by adding the reflective tape on costumes or on the trick-or-treat bags, using makeup instead of masks for visibility, and being prepared with flashlights. However, a big part of a safe Halloween experience for a community has to start with the homeowners

HALLOWEEN community with By Tommy Braun

ow that we are looking forward to the fall season and Halloween is just around the corner we know

themselves. If the household is going

to participate in the fun the homeowner should first make sure that the porch light is in good working order. Replace light bulbs as needed, trim back any plant material obstructing these lights and off of any walkways. Once the porch is well lit, and the pathway is clear of landscaping, take an extra few minutes to clean up toys, bikes, or even lawn decorations in the yard. Tese few steps will have a big effect on the safety and security of the trick-or-treaters in addition to all homeowners. Halloween can be a spooky time for pets as well. Unfamiliar looking neighbors and multiple knocks on the door can upset a dog’s routine, leading to nervousness and unpredictable behavior. Keep a watchful eye on your pets as doors are opened to greet trick-or-treaters.

Neighbors will be out walking and this gives them an opportunity to catch up and chat about their families, schools, and the homeowners association while monitoring their little ghouls. Te board should be ahead of the game in making sure all necessary repairs to such things as; street lights and signage are completed. Crosswalks should be visible at all times, and sidewalks should be free of trip hazards. Tis is always a priority for a community but with so many people taking to the common areas it is always a good idea to be proactive.

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Building community and camaraderie is always on the forefront of an association’s agenda and Halloween is a great opportunity to get members together. Instead of a haunted house you might suggest a fun Fall festival in place. Tis festival can take place in the clubhouse or at a similar common area in the association. Small little games like “boo bowling,” “ring around the witch’s hat,” or “spider corn hole” are just a few spooky games for the toddlers to play when they can’t trick-or-treat yet. Tis is also a great, safe, well-lit meeting spot for families and friends to gather at prior to or after trick- or-treating. Nothing says community like a party to bring everyone together.

Te focus on Halloween should be on all the fun of dressing up like an astronaut, doctor, or your favorite sports hero. We all want to enjoy the holiday and survive all the tricks associated with some bad treats, but, it will take a collective effort from the community to ensure the safety of everyone. Creating visibility, clearing trip hazards, hosting a Fall festival will bring the community together during a safe and fun Halloween evening.

This article was written and submitted by Tommy Braun of LandCare.

September / October 2017