Halloween is creeping up on us quickly, but if you’re anything like me, you’ve had your costume picked out for weeks and you’ve got a whole cauldron full of candy ready for the trick-or-treaters. Maybe you even decorated your front yard with creepy skeletons and fake spider webs. Whether you’re simply adding a few carved pumpkins to your front porch or going for the full-on Addams Family mansion look, sometimes the only thing scarier than an animatronic ghost is a twisted ankle from tripping over an unseen obstacle.  

Crime and Halloween 

As with any big celebration, Halloween can have its risks. In the past, there have been reports of increased accidents and crime on this spooky night. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween is known for having a higher rate of pedestrian accidents than other nights of the year. Kids are excited, costumes can be dark and hard to see, and unfortunately, some drivers aren’t as cautious as they should be. 

To keep your yard safe for incoming trick or treaters, let’s dive into some fang-tastic tips for lighting up your front yard this Halloween! I’ll also do my best to keep those monster puns to a minimum. 

1. Well-Lit Paths with Solar Lights

First things first, if you want your trick-or-treaters to safely navigate your yard without tripping over your decorations, you need some solar path lights. Sunco has a handful of options that you can use to light up the path for trick-or-treaters. They stand anywhere from 10-16 inches tall and give off lots of light.  

Solar lights are great for Halloween because they charge up during the day and then glow warmly through the night, illuminating pathways like a trail leading straight to your candy stash. 

Solar lights come in all shapes and sizes too, so you can get creative with them. Pick a style that fits your front yard aesthetic and stick them along your walkways or stairs. Plus, they’re super eco-friendly and won’t add to your electric bill. So, you can be kind to the environment while ensuring your front yard is as safe as it is spooky. 

2. In-Ground Solar Path Lights

You can also consider adding in-ground solar lights to your set up. These are super sleek, modern, and effective. Just pop them into the ground along your paths or driveway, and they’ll cast a soft, inviting glow. The best part? They’re easier to install than any other decoration or fixture in your yard.  

In-ground solar lights are particularly great for highlighting the path without taking away from your Halloween decor. They blend in with the landscape, providing light without overshadowing those eerie spider webs you’ve meticulously hung. They also aren’t a tripping hazard like some of the above ground solar lights on the market.  

3. Outdoor Sconces

Outdoor wall sconces aren’t just for Halloween. These charming fixtures are a great starting point for hanging your fake spider webs, while still illuminating your front porch. This is good for trick-or-treaters, but also for you. Halloween safety isn’t exclusive to the kids who are coming to your door for candy, but also for you as a homeowner. You want to be sure that your porch and front yard are lit up so that you have enhanced visibility on a night where there are people out and about. Adding a wall sconce or two to your set up ensures that you can see exactly what is happening on your property. 

Sconces also come in many different styles and are perfect for adding a bit of elegance to your front porch. Imagine them as the friendly neighborhood watchmen, guiding trick-or-treaters safely to your door. 

Choose sconces with a warm glow to create an inviting atmosphere. You can even get creative and add Sunco smart bulbs to your sconces for that color changing effect that can match any atmosphere. Going for the classic look? Make your bulbs orange. Looking for something a little more sickly that has a Beetlejuice kind of vibe? Change the lights to green. Play around with these colors on your sconces to see how they can enhance your space. 

4. Wet-Rated Flood Lights

The best kind of bulb to use in an outdoor environment is an IP65, or wet rated bulb. IP (Ingress Protection) is a measurement of protection against both solids and liquids. An IP rating includes two numbers, both of which provide information about the protection level—the higher the number, the better the defense.  

IP65 indicates that your bulb is water resistant, meaning they are suitable for outdoor use. These heavyweights are perfect for those dreary, and possibly rainy Halloween nights. 

Make sure that you get some wet rated flood lights to add an extra layer of safety by illuminating potential hazards from afar, ensuring your trick-or-treaters can see where they’re going even if the weather’s not cooperating. 

5. Battery-Powered Lanterns

Battery-powered lanterns are always good to have on hand. These old-school beauties are not only super charming but also incredibly versatile. You can put them on your front steps, scatter them around the yard, or even hang them from trees or porch hooks for a delightful, whimsical touch. 

Battery-powered lanterns are portable and come in a variety of styles, from classic oil lamps to more modern designs. They’re perfect for creating cozy, warm spots of light that’ll make your front yard look like a scene straight out of an Addams Family movie.  

These are also a great and inexpensive way to add more light to a costume as well. Find a lantern that fits your aesthetic and carry it around to make you and your crew more visible to cars and other trick-or-treaters.  

Additional Safety Tips: 

• You don’t want to overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or movable decorative objects. All outdoor lighting should be grounded, including low-voltage outdoor security lights and any Halloween lights. 

• When it comes to jack-o-lanterns, safety first. If you plan to use candles in your jack-o-lanterns, keep them far away from primary walkways. 

• Pets are easily frightened on Halloween, so keeping them inside will protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater. 

• Assure you have home security. If you will be away from your home during Halloween, don’t forget to set your security alarm system before you go. 

• Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms well in advance of the Halloween celebrations if you plan to use jack-o-lanterns 

Safety First 

You can help to mitigate some of these risks by lighting up your yard and making sure there are clear, well-lit paths for trick-or-treaters. It’s all about making sure everyone can enjoy the night safely, without any unexpected mishaps. 

Happy Halloween, and may your night be filled with just the right amount of fright and delight!