Tricks before treats: Should homeowners be concerned with spooky decorations?

JACKSON, Tenn. — If outdoor decorations are a sure sign, then several homeowners across the Hub City are ready for Halloween.

When driving through Jackson, it isn’t difficult to spot the spooky, creepy and cute decorations filling lawns and store windows.

“It’s just good, clean fun for the kids, and that’s what it’s all about — having new experiences as a child and using your imagination,” homeowner Kim Mitchell said.

As some West Tennesseans prepare for lots of free candy, some homeowners said they like handing out tricks before treats.

LANA resident Monique Dichiara said she and her husband put out a mix of both spooky and fun decorations, which include a doll with a knife reminiscent of a popular 1980s horror flick.

Dichiara said some Halloween guests were a little uneasy around the doll last year, so the couple put the prop farther away from where they’ll hand out candy Monday night.

While festive warning signs may be posted in some yards, insurance agents say if homeowners aren’t careful they could open themselves up to liabilities.

For example, agents tell WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News if a homeowner intentionally scares someone to the point they’re severely injured or psychologically damaged, a claim might not be covered under the insurance policy.

It’s something many homeowners said they don’t think much about.

“I don’t want to scar them. We just want them to be a little spooked,” Dichiara said.

Insurance agents still maintain West Tennesseans don’t need to be afraid of enjoying typical Halloween scares but that homeowners need to be careful not to do anything that may come back to haunt them.