Halloween is one of the busiest evenings of the year in many communities. Children in costumes, visiting families, extra cars, and decorations all add to the fun, and they also add to the risk of falls, traffic accidents, and fire. A little planning by the board and a few reminders to residents go a long way toward a safe and enjoyable night.
This article is general information and is not legal advice. The association's attorney should be consulted.
Set Expectations in Advance
If the community does not already have a policy on trick or treating, events, or decorations, the board should decide on its approach well before the end of October. Residents should be told in a newsletter, email, or posted notice:
- The hours when trick or treating is expected
- Where visitors may park
- Any community event planned, such as a parade or trunk or treat
- Rules for decorations on homes and common areas
- How to report safety problems on the night
Residents who prefer not to participate can be encouraged to leave their porch lights off, which is widely understood as a sign that the home is not handing out treats.
Light the Way and Clear the Paths
Walkways, sidewalks, and stairs on common property should be checked before the holiday. Burned out lights should be replaced, and trip hazards such as raised sidewalk edges, hoses, and loose pavers should be marked or repaired. Landscaping that blocks lights or crowds sidewalks should be trimmed.
Residents should be reminded to keep their own entries well lit and free of obstacles, cords, and slippery decorations. A tidy walkway protects young visitors and reduces the chance of an injury claim.
Watch for Fire Hazards
Candles inside jack o' lanterns are a common source of fires and burns. Residents should be encouraged to use battery operated candles or lights instead. If real flames are used, they should be kept away from doorways, walkways, costumes, and dry decorations, and placed where pets and small children cannot reach them. Extension cords used outdoors should be rated for outdoor use and kept out of walking paths.
Manage Traffic and Parking
More visitors mean more cars, and many of them will be driven slowly through dark streets full of children. Residents should be reminded to drive carefully, watch for children crossing between parked cars, and avoid backing out of driveways during peak hours if possible. Traffic cones or temporary signs at key points can help slow drivers.
The governing documents and parking rules should be reviewed so that guest parking expectations can be explained clearly. Gated communities should plan ahead for visitor traffic at the entrance, and extra security staff may be worth considering in communities that draw large crowds.
Consider a Trunk or Treat Event
Many communities hold a trunk or treat in a clubhouse lot or other common parking area. Residents decorate their car trunks and hand out candy in one place, which keeps children off the streets and away from moving traffic. Events like this should be reviewed with the manager and the association's insurance agent, and volunteers should be assigned to watch entrances and keep vehicles from moving during the event. Other ideas for seasonal gatherings are collected in
social committee ideas for HOA communities part I.
Decorations and Cleanup
Decoration rules should be enforced consistently and reasonably. For homeowners associations, section 720.305 of the Florida Statutes prohibits a fine or suspension for leaving holiday decorations or lights up longer than the governing documents allow, unless they remain for more than 1 week after written notice of the violation is provided. A friendly reminder after the holiday is usually all that is needed. More on the notice process is covered in
how to properly handle HOA violation notices.
After the holiday, common areas should be checked for litter, broken decorations, and damage so that any problems are addressed quickly.
Help Planning a Safe Holiday
Resident notices, event planning, and common area inspections are coordinated by Condominium Associates for the communities it manages. To talk about your community's seasonal events,
contact us.
