Safe Trick-or-Treating: 5 Tips for Picking Bright Walkway Lights
Welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home is a cherished tradition that many families look forward to each year. However, it can quickly turn into a nightmare for you. When someone gets injured on your walkway, they can sue you for injuries and any damages that come as a result of the accident. Therefore, if you are interested in continuing with this tradition of having fun with your neighbors, it's crucial to ensure your walkway is well-lit and safe for all visitors. Here's how to do it.
Consider placement
When considering placement options, it's vital to strike a balance between illuminating your space adequately and maintaining the festive, spine-chilling feel. One strategy that works well is to use combination lighting. For instance, you might install brighter, continuous lights along the walkway edges leading to your front door. Then, intersperse them with dimmer, spooky-colored lights (like eerie greens or purples) and perhaps a few flickering jack-o-lanterns.
On top of that, you can use lights to design shadows that add to the eerie ambiance of Halloween. For example, a lit ghost or witch figure casting a long, ominous shadow on your walkway would be great. However, be sure not to let these decorative elements encroach on the path and cause tripping hazards.
Give more attention to accident-prone areas
Accident-prone areas like stairs, uneven surfaces, or narrow paths deserve additional consideration to help prevent accidents. Illumination doesn't have to be stark or glaring; instead, you can use subtle lighting elements that enhance safety but still maintain spookiness. For instance, you could line the stair steps with small, bright LED motion sensor lights that light up when someone approaches.
If you have uneven paths or cobblestones leading up to your home, it's important to highlight these areas to prevent tripping. Consider using ground-level spotlights or luminescent pathway markers that softly glow to outline the path and indicate any changes in the surface level. Alternatively, you can hire a professional like Archadeck Outdoor Living to fix any uneven surfaces before Halloween for a more permanent solution.
Use the correct type of lightning
When choosing the type of lighting you want to use for your walkway, there are four things that you need to keep in mind:
Duration
Weather resistance
Safety features
While traditional incandescent bulbs are the classic choice for Halloween decorations, they aren't always the most practical option. LED lights use less energy and last longer, making them a better choice in terms of both cost and sustainability.
Keep extension cords out of sight
When it comes to extension cords, safety should always come first. Unsecured or tangled cords can be a tripping hazard for visitors, especially children who may not be paying close attention while walking. Make a plan for how to route these cables far away from designated walking paths.
If you are using long extension cords, make sure to secure them safely and out of sight using tape or clips. It is much safer to invest in outdoor-rated extension cords specifically designed to withstand wet or frosty weather conditions.
Be creative and have fun with your lighting design, but always remember to prioritize safety. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on landscaping and other home improvement tips, especially during the upcoming holidays.
