Photo By: Ruth Hartnup
It’s almost that time of year! The air is crisp, there are pumpkins galore, and the grocery store is overflowing with candy. On Tuesday, people all over the world will celebrate Halloween—including many of us in Colorado Springs.
1. Turn on Your Porch Lights
Growing up, we were always told to skip houses without porch lights. If it was dark, it meant the owners were either not home or did not want trick-or-treaters. But do you remember the houses that were half-lit? They had one faint porch light on or a few flickering bulbs. It was never clear if these homes were fair game. It was also unsafe as many of us wore masks or costumes that limited our vision—especially in the dark.
If you are welcoming trick-or-treaters this year, turn on all your porch lights. Change out any faint bulbs and make sure your driveway and garden paths are well lit. Halloween is a fun, festive night. You want trick-or-treaters to know your house is participating in the neighborhood fun and to feel safe approaching your home. Concerned about energy and the electric bill? Consider switching to outdoor LED bulbs.
2. Sweep/Salt Your Paths and Driveways
In Colorado Springs, we often have frost or even snow on Halloween. If you have Fall leaves, frost, or ice in your yard, make sure to sweep/salt the ground. A clean, safe yard will ensure you don’t end up with an injured child or parent on Halloween.
3. Use Electric Candles for Halloween Decor
We love jack-o-lanterns and Fall curb appeal. Consider using battery-operated candles in your Halloween decor to prevent potential fires or burns.
4. Cozy Up & Sit Outside
Summer in Colorado Springs is sadly over for the year but this doesn’t mean you can’t bundle up, pour a mug of hot tea, and sit on your front porch to pass out candy! Get some fresh air and enjoy the festivities with the rest of your neighbors by sitting outside and greeting trick-or-treaters.
Happy Halloween, everyone! We hope you have a safe and community-centered celebration in our favorite mountain city, Colorado Springs!