ERIE, Pa., Oct. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween is only a few weeks away, and that means trick or treaters will soon be at your doorstep. If you plan on handing out candy this year, Erie Insurance lists six ways to get your home ready and safe for those visitors in costume.   

1. Clear the Walkways
   Toys, rakes, stones and wet leaves - clear them all out of the way before trick-or-treating starts. A quick clean-up is one of the easiest ways to make your home safer.
   
   
2. Light it Up
   Turn on your exterior lights, including any flood lights, to help create a safe path for trick-or-treaters or any night time visitors.
   
   
3. Corral Your Pets
   Constantly opening and closing the door makes it easy for pets to escape and possibly harm a child. A better idea is to keep pets in a secured room or wing of the house where they won't be able to run out the open door.
   
   
4. Lock all Other Doors
   Mischief can happen when you're doling out candy, so play it safe by locking all your other doors including garages and cars. The FBI reports that approximately 30 percent of all burglaries are committed without force, courtesy of an unlocked door or window.
   
   
5. Skip Candles
   Candles may be the traditional way to light up those jack-o-lantern's, but it's not worth the fire risk when you consider all the draping costumes and accessories that will whiz by the flame. Consider using flameless candles or battery-operated lights instead.
   
   
6. Pick a Good Spot.
   If you have a lot of stairs or a long, winding path, consider handing out candy at the end of your driveway. The easier trick or treaters can get to you the better.
   
   

This Halloween make sure your home is covered against unexpected tricks. Contact an Erie Insurance agent to find a homeowners insurance plan that is right for you.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

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SOURCE Erie Insurance