Creating a Safe and Spooky Place for Trick-Or-Treaters

The weather is getting chilly, the scent of fall is in the air, and in just a short time kids will don their fun costumes and go door to door for candy. Are you a new homeowner at the Lake of the Ozarks? Or maybe you're looking into relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks and becoming a member of our wonderful society? Either way, there are a few things you can do to help keep the area safe during this holiday season, and make it a fun trip for the kids.

Keep Everything Well Lit

On Halloween, a lit house is a sign that you have candy and are willing to pass it out. As a courtesy to parents and kids alike, keep your front yard, sidewalks, and porch well lit. If children will be trick or treating at night, you want to make sure that they have a safe experience on your property. Sweep off the sidewalks and porch, and make sure that everything is visible. If you won't be home, just turn out the lights and that will be a good signal that there isn't any candy at your home. If you don't want to pass out candy, just plan on leaving your lights off, or going somewhere else - otherwise, you might be at risk for the "trick" part of the evening.

Be Aware of Your Neighborhood

Even if you don't have an established neighborhood watch program, there's nothing wrong with being aware of your community - especially at this time of year. For the first few days before Haloween, you can be aware of the area and watch for suspicious characters who may be lurking around. If you know that a neighbor won't be home, help them keep an eye on their place, and if you notice unruly trick or treaters who are performing "tricks," keep the authorities on speed dial.

Use the Correct Treats

In years past it was common to hand out homemade popcorn balls, caramel apples, and other delicious treats - but that's not so anymore. Always hand out pre-packaged candy. Not only does this make the kids and parents feel safer, but it keeps you safe as well. While your homemade treats are perfectly safe, the parents won't know this. Save your gourmet gifts of goodness for private parties, and go out to get some packaged candy at the store for distributing.

Bag Up The Tricks

Have you seen those videos where people plan all sorts of tricks for the kids that come to their house? Like the one with the scarecrow that was really and man and he would jump out and scare kids - only, he didn't scare a kid. He actually scared a full grown dad, who then punched him in the nose. While it is fun to lay little "traps" for the kids that will be stopping by, remember that parents are likely standing close by, and want a safe environment for their children. Keep it limited to toys, motion activated pumpkins and haunted houses where people actually want to get scared out of their socks.

Happy Halloween From Gattermeir Davidson

We hope that you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday. If you're still trying to find a home before winter, keep us in mind! At Gattermeir Davidson, we have the best team of real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would love to help you find the perfect home for your little ghouls and goblins. Visit our website at www.GotLakeRealEstate.com to learn more.


2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year
Missouri Association of Realtors

Gattermeir Davidson Real Estate, LLC
752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office | 573.365.1555
Fax | 573.365.1766








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