It’s a night full of treats for both kids and adults in Portland and Beaverton. But a number of factors including lots of people walking in the dark, the threat of wet and stormy weather, strangers coming to your door - mean that Halloween in Oregon and Washington can have some tricks up its sleeve.

Fox Insurance Agency wants your Halloween to be a happy one. So whether you’re taking your kids out trick-or-treating, hosting a party or just staying home to greet costumed visitors, we can help make your evening safe while you take care of making it spooky. Just check out the tips below and, as always, don’t hesitate to call us at 503-277-2300 if you have questions about your costume ... er, coverage.

Make your kids’ costumes scary – and safe

• Make sure costumes are made of flame-resistant material. When wearing your costume, do not walk near lit candles or luminaries.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to increase your visibility to drivers .
• Masks and costumes should be properly fitted to avoid blocked vision and falls.
• Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Safe trick-or-treating in Oregon and Washington

• Trick-or-treaters should walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Do not allow kids to go out alone.
• Make sure kids know their home phone number as well as how to call 911.
• Flashlights and glow sticks can help with visibility while trick-or-treating.
• Kids should only enter a home if they’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
• All treats should be examined for choking hazards and tampering. Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you know the cook well.
• Of course, it’s a good idea to limit the number of treats your children (and you!) eat. One way to encourage this is by having a full, healthy meal before going out trick-or-treating. And don’t let them keep their treats in their bedroom. Some kids can’t handle the temptation.

Having a party? Expecting trick-or-treaters at your house?

• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit, and free of obstacles.
• Keep candles (including lit jack o’lanterns) away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains.
• Remind drivers coming to and from your home to watch out for trick-or-treaters and drive slowly through Portland and Beaverton neighborhoods.

Carving those pumpkins

Creating a jack o’lantern is a time-honored tradition, whether you buy your pumpkins at the grocery store or at a local pumpkin farm in Oregon or Washington. But don’t forget, kids and knives are a dangerous combination. It’s best to have the kids draw designs on the pumpkin with a marker and then let an adult handle the carving. And here’s a great idea for kids who want to remove the seeds - rather than using a knife, hand them an ice-cream scoop. It’s a lot safer, and it just might be more effective!

Help keep Halloween safe for everyone - and remember, your kids WILL know if you swipe some treats from their stash!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Fox Insurance Agency at 503-277-2300 or click here.