HOA Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is such a wonderful, festive time for children and their families. However, it can also be scary for HOAs to deal with the excess activities it brings. Increased crowds, noise, and parking, are top safety concerns for homeowners associations across the U.S. this Halloween. According to a CAI survey, nearly 50% of respondents plan to host a Halloween party or parade in their community. 

What challenges will homeowners associations face on Oct. 31? Roughly 22% of communities report they hire extra security to deal with large crowds. Some even enlist the help of neighborhood watch volunteers to keep trick-or-treaters and noise under control. 

Is your HOA the place to be for trick-or-treaters? If so, and if your community doesn't have a policy for neighborhood trick-or-treating, it's essential to follow these tips to ensure everyone has a safe Halloween.  

First, ensure your HOA's walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause falls. Be sure to remind homeowners to keep candlelit jack o' lanterns and other open flames away from doorsteps, walkways, and landings. Instead, place them on sturdy tables and keep them out of reach of pets and small children. It's also wise to recommend imitation candles. 

More people also means more cars and traffic in and out of your HOA. Residents need reminders to drive slower while kids are out and about trick-or-treating. One suggestion is to put out orange cones to prevent speeding. Refer to your CC&R's to know the rules on parking in your association, including where visitors can park and what kind of passes may be needed.

As communities search for ways to keep children safe and handle an increase in traffic this Halloween, trunk-or-treating is becoming a widely-popular alternative to walking from house to house. A tradition most commonly found in southern states where neighbors use a church or community parking lot and decorate car trunks to welcome trick-or-treaters.